Poem Analysis - When Faces Called Flowers Float Out Of The Ground

An Ode to Rebirth and Connection

E.E. Cummings' "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" is a vibrant celebration of spring, rebirth, and the interconnectedness of life. The poem exudes a joyful and sensual tone, emphasizing the transformative power of the season and its impact on love and perception. The mood is primarily optimistic and celebratory, punctuated by moments of contrasting reflection on fear and stagnation before ultimately returning to the prevailing theme of renewal and joyful abandon. The poem suggests a progression from tentative hope to full-blown ecstatic experience, mirroring the unfolding of spring itself.

Spring: A Metaphor for Emotional Awakening

One of the primary themes explored in the poem is that of renewal and rebirth. Spring serves as a powerful metaphor for emotional and spiritual awakening. The opening lines, "when faces called flowers float out of the ground," immediately establish this connection between nature's awakening and a deeper, more personal transformation. The imagery of flowers emerging from the earth symbolizes the shedding of winter's dormancy and the embracing of new life and possibilities. The repetition of "it's spring!" acts as a constant affirmation of this transformative power. Another theme is love and connection. The parenthetical asides like "(yes,april;my darling)" and "(kiss me now)spring!" highlight the intimate relationship between the speaker and a loved one, emphasizing the shared experience of spring's renewal. The poem suggests that love, like spring, is a force that brings life and joy. Further reinforcing this idea, the final theme involves the transcendence of fear and doubt. The contrast between the joy of spring and the negativity associated with "keeping" underscores the importance of embracing change and letting go of anxieties. The lines "but keeping is downward and doubting and never" and "but keeping is darkness and winter and cringing" directly oppose the vibrant imagery of spring, highlighting the choice between stagnation and growth.

Vivid Imagery and Symbolic Resonance

The poem is rich in vivid imagery that contributes to its overall message. The image of "faces called flowers" is particularly striking, suggesting a connection between human emotion and the natural world. Flowers, often associated with beauty and fragility, become emblems of the delicate and precious nature of human experience. The repeated motif of "pretty birds" and "little fish" symbolizes freedom, joy, and the boundless energy of life in harmony. The mountains "dancing together" evoke a sense of grandeur and interconnectedness, suggesting that even the most solid and imposing elements of nature are caught up in the dance of spring. A key symbol is the contrast between "day" and "night." The line "all our night becomes day" encapsulates the overarching theme of renewal and the triumph of hope over despair. Spring, in this context, represents the breaking of darkness and the emergence of light and joy.

The Paradox of Giving and Keeping

The poem explores the paradox of giving and keeping, highlighting the importance of generosity and openness. The lines "wishing is having and having is giving" suggest that true fulfillment comes not from hoarding or possessing but from sharing and contributing to the world. Conversely, the act of "keeping" is consistently portrayed as negative, associated with "downward," "doubting," "doting," "nothing," "nonsense," "darkness," "winter," and "cringing." This stark contrast emphasizes the idea that holding on too tightly to things, emotions, or ideas can lead to stagnation and unhappiness. The poem proposes that true living is found in the act of giving, which ultimately leads to even greater abundance.

A Synthesis of Senses and Emotions

In conclusion, "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" is a powerful ode to the regenerative power of spring, which is used by Cummings to highlight themes of rebirth, love, and the importance of embracing change over fear. Through vivid imagery, symbolic language, and a joyful tone, the poem celebrates the interconnectedness of life and the transformative potential of love. The poem suggests that by letting go of our fears and embracing the spirit of generosity, we can unlock a deeper and more fulfilling experience of life, mirroring the blossoming of spring. It is a reminder that just as winter inevitably gives way to spring, darkness can be overcome by light, and despair can be transformed into hope. The poem invites us to recognize the "spring" within ourselves and to embrace the beauty and joy that life has to offer.