Poem Analysis - This Day Died Again

A Fleeting Moment of Transcendence

E.E. Cummings's "this(let's remember)day died again" is a brief but intense meditation on the passage of time, the fleeting nature of beauty, and the possibility of experiencing eternity within a single moment. The poem moves from descriptions of death and fading to a sudden, almost miraculous blossoming. The tone is initially melancholic, bordering on despair, before shifting to one of wonder and perhaps even a hint of playful challenge.

Mortality and the Ever-Present Now

One dominant theme in this poem is mortality, which is introduced immediately with the phrase "this(let's remember)day died again." This suggests a repetitive cycle of endings, emphasizing the transient nature of existence. However, the poem quickly transitions to an exploration of how beauty and love can momentarily transcend this sense of loss. The "blossoming rose" that "floated" out of "eternity" can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the transient nature of life and beauty. This moment of transcendence offers a counterpoint to the poem's initial focus on death.

The Power of Love and Shared Perception

Love is intertwined with the theme of perception in the poem. The speaker directly addresses a "darling," questioning whether they saw the rose: "did you see her? darling, did you(kiss me)quickly count to never?" This line highlights the importance of shared experience and the power of love to deepen one's perception of the world. The speaker implies that the experience of seeing the "blossoming rose" together, is crucial. Did they perceive this brief eternity, this beauty, this wonder, together? The parenthetical insertion of "(kiss me)" during this pivotal moment suggests that love and intimacy are integral to grasping the ephemeral nature of such experiences.

The Unimaginable and the Mundane

The poem juxtaposes the unimaginable with the ordinary. The "oceaning abyss of orange dream" and "flame beyond/soul immemorially forevering am-" are vast, almost incomprehensible images. Yet, these grand descriptions are contrasted with the mundane act of counting: "while anyone might slowly count to soon." The phrase "as easily as we forget something" further emphasizes the contrast, highlighting how quickly extraordinary experiences can fade from memory. This contrast accentuates the preciousness and fragility of moments of beauty and wonder.

Symbolism of the Moon and the Rose

The moon and the rose are potent symbols in the poem. The rose, traditionally associated with love and beauty, represents a fleeting moment of perfection emerging from eternity. The moon, arriving "from perfect nowhere," symbolizes a calming, almost otherworldly presence. As the "livingest the imaginable moon," it suggests that even in the face of death and loss, something beautiful and enduring can emerge. The rose's blossoming may be transient, but the moon's enduring presence provides a sense of hope or continuity.

A Moment Captured

In conclusion, "this(let's remember)day died again" captures the essence of a fleeting moment of transcendence amidst the relentless march of time. The poem masterfully blends themes of mortality, love, and perception through vivid imagery and a shifting tone. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even in the face of loss, moments of beauty and shared experience can offer a glimpse of eternity, leaving the reader to consider whether these moments are merely illusions or profound truths.