Poem Analysis - I Like

An Elegy in Bloom: Introduction to Cummings's "I Like"

E.E. Cummings's "I Like" is a poignant meditation on love, loss, and the enduring power of memory in the face of mortality. The poem, while initially appearing simple, unfolds into a complex tapestry of emotions, shifting from a tender remembrance of past affection to a somber acceptance of death's presence. The tone begins with a gentle nostalgia, tinged with sweetness, but gradually darkens as the speaker confronts the inevitable end of life and love. It ultimately adopts a tone of trust and surrender.

Love and Lingering: Exploring the Poem's Central Theme

The central theme of "I Like" is undoubtedly love, not just as a fleeting emotion, but as a force that transcends time and even death. The opening lines establish this with the image of the flower, a physical token of past affection, imbued with the lingering "sweetly-saluted" memory of the lover's kiss. This flower becomes a symbol of the enduring power of their love, even in its absence. The speaker's "hunger" for this "dead thing" emphasizes the profound impact the relationship had and the enduring longing that remains. The entreaty to the lover to "receive him as your lover sumptuously" further solidifies the idea of love as an all-encompassing and welcoming force, extending even to death itself.

Mortality's Embrace: The Inevitable Presence of Death

The poem also grapples with the theme of mortality, personified as a figure arriving in the lover's land. The poem doesn't shy away from acknowledging death's reality. The speaker directly addresses the potential observer, instructing him to seek the lover's face, suggesting that she holds the key to understanding life's mysteries and perhaps even finding solace in the face of death. Describing certain hours as "dead too" underscores the connection between past love and the ultimate cessation of being. The acceptance of death as a familiar figure, "called death" in "his own land," suggests a certain peace in acknowledging its inevitable presence.

Trust and Surrender: Finding Grace in Acceptance

A subtle but significant theme in "I Like" is trust. The speaker is placing immense faith in their former lover's ability to welcome death with grace and kindness. The phrase "because I trust him to your grace" reveals a profound belief in the lover's capacity for compassion and understanding. This trust extends beyond the earthly realm, suggesting that love and kindness can even transcend the boundaries of life and death. It suggests a surrender to something larger than oneself, finding comfort in the belief that death, like love, can be approached with open arms.

Images of Remembrance: Decaying Beauty and Lasting Impressions

The poem is rich in imagery, most notably the image of the flower. Initially presented as a symbol of love and connection, it also carries connotations of decay and impermanence. The "far-departed mouth" that "sweetly-saluted" the flower evokes a sense of loss and nostalgia. The image of the speaker's "hunger" for the "dead thing" is striking and somewhat unsettling, highlighting the intensity of the speaker's longing and the paradoxical nature of finding beauty in something that has passed. The phrase “becoming steps to seek / your face” creates an image of reverence and purposeful movement, guiding the curious observer to the source of understanding and comfort.

Final Bloom: The Significance of Undying Emotion

In conclusion, "I Like" is a powerful and moving exploration of love, loss, and mortality. Cummings masterfully weaves together these themes through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, creating a poem that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The poem’s significance lies in its ability to find beauty and meaning in the face of death, suggesting that love, trust, and grace can endure even beyond the boundaries of earthly existence. It leaves the reader with a sense of peace and acceptance, reminding us that even in death, the memory of love can bloom.