Poem Analysis - Since Feeling Is First

An Ode to Emotion Over Intellect

E.E. Cummings' "since feeling is first" is a vibrant celebration of instinct and emotion, prioritizing the raw experience of love over the rigid structures of logic and reason. The poem embraces spontaneity and the present moment, advocating for a life lived fully in feeling. Its tone is initially assertive, almost dismissive of intellect, before softening into an intimate and affectionate declaration. There's a palpable shift from intellectual argument to tender reassurance as the poem progresses, ending in joyous acceptance.

The Heart's Superior Wisdom

One of the central themes of the poem is the supremacy of emotion over intellect. The opening lines immediately establish this hierarchy, stating that anyone overly concerned with "the syntax of things" will never truly experience the depth of a kiss, a symbol of profound connection. Cummings uses the phrase "wholly to be a fool" to suggest that embracing foolishness, or rather, abandoning intellectual restraint, is necessary for genuine experience. This theme is further developed through the contrast between the "best gesture of my brain" and the "eyelids' flutter," highlighting the inadequacy of reason compared to the innate understanding conveyed through simple, heartfelt expressions.

Love as a Force of Nature

Love is not only a feeling but a powerful, almost elemental force in this poem. The image of "Spring in the world" suggests love's connection to natural renewal and vitality, aligning it with the life-affirming forces of nature. The phrase "my blood approves" indicates an instinctual, bodily endorsement of love, bypassing rational thought altogether. The comparison of kisses to "a better fate than wisdom" reinforces the idea that love offers a richer, more fulfilling path than intellectual pursuits. Love is presented not as a choice, but as a natural imperative, a force that dictates and shapes experience.

Mortality's Light Touch

While the poem primarily celebrates love, it also subtly acknowledges the presence of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The lines "life's not a paragraph / and death i think is no parenthesis" suggest that life and death are not neatly contained within the boundaries of logic or grammar. Instead, they are expansive and potentially limitless. By framing death as "no parenthesis," Cummings seems to suggest that it isn't a mere interruption or aside in the grand narrative of existence, but something more profound and perhaps even integral to it. This awareness of mortality adds urgency to the embrace of feeling and the present moment, urging the reader to live fully while they can.

The Language of Flowers and Eyelids

Several symbols and images recur throughout the poem, enhancing its meaning. Flowers, mentioned in the line "lady i swear by all the flowers," symbolize beauty, fragility, and the transient nature of life, reinforcing the theme of living in the moment. They also represent a kind of natural, unadulterated truth, serving as a testament to the speaker's sincerity. The image of "your eyelids' flutter" is particularly striking. It's a small, seemingly insignificant gesture, yet it speaks volumes, conveying a mutual understanding and connection that transcends words. This image highlights the power of nonverbal communication and the intuitive knowing that exists between lovers. Could the reference to "eyelids' flutter" also be a reflection on the hidden depths of human emotion, an unconscious expression of feeling?

A Timeless Invitation to Feel

In conclusion, "since feeling is first" is a powerful and persuasive argument for prioritizing emotion and intuition over intellectual rigidity. Through vivid imagery, a passionate tone, and a disregard for conventional syntax, Cummings creates a compelling invitation to embrace life's experiences with open hearts and uninhibited feelings. The poem suggests that true understanding and genuine connection arise not from logical analysis, but from the willingness to abandon oneself to the present moment and the wisdom of the heart. It is a timeless reminder that the most profound truths are often felt, not thought.