Poem Analysis - Perhaps It Is To Feel Strike

Introduction: A Journey to Affirmation

E.E. Cummings' "perhaps it is to feel strike" is a tender and intensely personal exploration of love and the journey towards connection. The poem weaves together sensual imagery and introspective reflections, creating a sense of delicate vulnerability. The tone is initially hesitant, almost speculative, as the speaker grapples with the nature of his feelings. However, it gradually shifts to a more confident and declarative tone, culminating in an affirmation of beauty and experience.

The Allure of Connection: Love as a Driving Force

One of the primary themes in the poem is love as a powerful motivator. The speaker's youth, he claims, "has travelled toward her these years." This implies that the pursuit of this particular love has been a formative influence, shaping his experiences and direction. The striking image of "the silver fish of her nakedness" uses sensuality to depict a specific, physical attraction. This image is both alluring and somewhat elusive, suggesting that the experience of love is not always easily grasped or defined, yet undeniably present.

Mind and Body: Dual Paths to Connection

The poem also explores the theme of connection on both a physical and intellectual level. The speaker desires not only the "silver fish of her nakedness," but also to "snare the timid like / of her mind to my mind." This highlights a yearning for complete intimacy, encompassing both the physical and emotional realms. The speaker’s journey "by little countries to the yes / of her youth" symbolizes the gradual and painstaking process of building trust and understanding. It suggests that true connection requires time, patience, and a willingness to explore different facets of the other person.

A Lonely Pilgrimage: Isolation and the Path to Beauty

A subtle but significant theme is that of isolation and the individual journey. The speaker acknowledges that he's "travelled all alone / through the forest of wonderful." This "forest" could be interpreted as life itself, a place full of both beauty and challenge. This solitary journey underscores the idea that certain experiences, particularly those that shape our capacity for love, are deeply personal. The speaker asks for pity, not out of weakness, but because he acknowledges the unique difficulties and triumphs of his own path, ultimately leading to an appreciation for beauty itself: "and because she is beautiful".

Imagery and Symbolism: The Language of Feeling

Cummings uses several vivid images that contribute to the poem's overall effect. The "silver fish of her nakedness" is a central symbol, representing the woman's beauty and allure. The fish also has an elusive, fluid quality, evoking the intangible nature of desire. The "forest of wonderful" is a powerful metaphor for life's journey, filled with both positive and negative experiences. The phrase, "the furious ways and the peaceful," suggests that the speaker has confronted both conflict and tranquility, shaping him into the person he is. Is the use of "wonderful" almost sarcastic, an ironic reflection on challenges encountered?

Conclusion: The Significance of Beauty and the Journey

In conclusion, "perhaps it is to feel strike" is a deeply personal reflection on love, connection, and the journey toward understanding. The poem's strength lies in its ability to evoke complex emotions through striking imagery and introspective reflections. It explores the dual paths to connection: physical and intellectual. The speaker's journey, though solitary at times, ultimately leads to an appreciation for beauty and the transformative power of love, suggesting that the experiences along the way, "the furious ways and the peaceful", are essential to truly valuing that beauty when found.