Poem Analysis - If You Like My Poems Let Them

A Quiet Assertion of Value

E.E. Cummings' "if you like my poems let them" is a brief but resonant poem that speaks to the delicate and perhaps slightly insecure nature of artistic creation. The poem's tone is initially gentle and unassuming, almost hesitant in its request. However, it subtly evolves into a more confident assertion of the poems' potential impact and value. The poem shifts from a simple request to a metaphorical scenario that elevates the poems to something almost magical, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and intrigue.

The Elusive Nature of Recognition

One of the central themes of the poem is the elusive nature of artistic recognition. The speaker doesn't demand immediate acclaim or grand pronouncements. Instead, the speaker proposes a subtle, almost secretive form of appreciation: "let them / walk in the evening, a little behind you." This suggests a desire for the poems to subtly influence the reader, to linger in their thoughts without demanding attention. The idea that the poems should be "a little behind you" also implies a humble acceptance of their place, not as the center of attention, but as a quiet accompaniment to the reader's life.

Poems as Bearers of Beauty and Mystery

Another significant theme is the poem's portrayal of poems as bearers of beauty and mystery. The second stanza shifts from a simple request to a vivid metaphorical scenario. People mistake the reader for a princess and the poems for "tall and ignorant servants." This is a powerful image that elevates the poems beyond mere words on a page. They become associated with royalty, romance, and the enchanting atmosphere of "nightfall." This imagery suggests that the poems possess a hidden beauty and power, capable of transforming the mundane into something extraordinary. The poems, though perceived as "ignorant servants," are in fact integral to the overall impression of grace and elegance.

The Power of Indirect Influence

The poem utilizes the recurring image of walking and passage, which symbolizes the journey of life and the subtle influence of art along the way. The "road" represents the experiences and paths we take, and the poems, walking behind, subtly shape our perspective. Another key image is the "princess" which symbolizes beauty, grace, and an elevated state of being. This image serves to emphasize the potential impact of the poems on the reader's perception, transforming them, at least in the eyes of others, into something more refined and special. The "tall and ignorant servants" are an interesting paradox. Are they truly ignorant, or do they possess a wisdom that is simply overlooked? This ambiguity invites the reader to consider the hidden depths and potential of the poems themselves.

A Legacy of Subtle Influence

In conclusion, "if you like my poems let them" is a delicate yet profound exploration of artistic creation and appreciation. It speaks to the artist's desire for their work to be valued, not through overt praise, but through a more subtle and lasting influence. By transforming the poems into "tall and ignorant servants" accompanying a "princess," Cummings suggests that art has the power to elevate and transform our perception of the world, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter it, even if they don't fully understand its source. The poem ultimately celebrates the enduring power of art to subtly shape our lives and leave a legacy of beauty and mystery.