Poem Analysis - Poem

A Shield Against Darkness: An Introduction

Dylan Thomas's "Poem" is a brief but potent meditation on love as a protective force against the anxieties of death and the unknown. The poem unfolds as a declaration of devotion, where the speaker describes how their lover's essence creates a shield against the encroaching darkness. The tone is initially somber, acknowledging the presence of "soiled undead," but shifts towards a more hopeful and secure feeling as the speaker emphasizes love's ability to conceal and protect. The poem's brevity amplifies its emotional impact, leaving a lasting impression of love as a tangible defense.

The Weight of Mortality and the Fear of the Unknown

The poem grapples with the universal fear of mortality and the unknown that follows. Thomas evokes this anxiety through imagery of "soiled undead," "biter's tooth and tail," "cobweb drum," and "wolves of sleep." These images represent the decay of life, the predatory nature of death, and the unsettling silence that accompanies it. The "grave" itself is a stark symbol of finality, a reminder of the inevitable end. The poem suggests that these anxieties are ever-present, a shadowy force lurking in the darkness.

Love as an Intangible Barrier

The central theme of the poem is the power of love as a protective barrier against the darkness. The speaker describes their lover's "breath" as "invisible" yet capable of creating a protective night "for my sake." This highlights the intangible yet potent nature of love. The "raining trail" that is "intangible to them" (the forces of darkness) suggests that love operates on a different plane, impervious to the threats of mortality. Love becomes a shield, actively "hiding the wolves of sleep" and "masking the grave," offering a temporary respite from the fear of death. The use of "masking" suggests that love might not eradicate death, but it can obscure its terror.

The Wave of Affection: Imagery and Symbolism

Recurring images and symbols contribute significantly to the poem's overall message. The "dark" represents not only the literal night but also the unknown, the fear of death, and the anxieties that plague the human spirit. This is contrasted with the "round wave" of the speaker's love, which is vibrant, whole, and encompassing. The wave is not just a metaphor for the volume of love, but also a symbolic representation of its fluid, dynamic, and ever-present nature. The wave has the effect of diluting, washing away, and distancing the worries, fears, and uncertainties of the future and death.

A Final Embrace Against the Night

In conclusion, Dylan Thomas's "Poem" is a powerful testament to the protective and transformative power of love. It acknowledges the ever-present fear of mortality and the unknown, represented by images of darkness and decay, but ultimately offers love as a shield against these anxieties. The intangible nature of love, symbolized by the invisible breath and the flowing wave, is portrayed as a formidable force capable of concealing the grave and providing solace in the face of existential dread. The poem's significance lies in its ability to articulate the profound comfort and security that love can offer in a world filled with uncertainty and fear, suggesting that love may be the most effective, and perhaps only, tool against the weight of a mortal life.