Poem Analysis - When Hair Falls Off And Eyes Blur And

Introduction: A Meditation on Decay and Indifference

E.E. Cummings' "when hair falls off and eyes blur And" is a stark and unsettling poem that grapples with aging, loss, and the potential for existential despair. The poem begins with a graphic depiction of physical and mental decline, creating a somber and somewhat bleak tone. However, amidst this decay, a contrasting perspective emerges, hinting at the indifference of nature and perhaps the possibility of finding acceptance or meaning in the face of mortality. The poem's fragmented structure and unconventional syntax mirror the fractured experience of aging and the struggle to find coherence in a world that continues without regard for individual suffering.

The Shadow of Mortality: Decline and Loss

One of the central themes of the poem is mortality. Cummings vividly portrays the physical and mental deterioration associated with aging. Lines like "when hair falls off and eyes blur And / thighs forget" create a visceral sense of decline. The personification of "Memory" as standing "with clumsily wilted fingers / emptying youth colour and what was / into a dirtied glass" is a particularly powerful image, suggesting the irreversible loss of vitality and the corruption of past experiences. The mention of "Pills for Ills" highlights the desperation to combat aging and the medicalization of the aging process. The parenthetical expression “(a recipe against Laughing Virginity Death)” suggests a futile attempt to create a panacea for the human condition and elude the inevitable.

Nature's Unwavering Course: Indifference as a Theme

Juxtaposed with the theme of mortality is the theme of nature's indifference. The lines "then dearest the / way trees are made leaves / open Clouds take sun mountains / stand And oceans do Not sleep matters / nothing;" present a world that continues its natural processes regardless of human suffering. This contrast emphasizes the insignificance of individual aging within the larger scheme of the universe. The use of simple, declarative statements about nature's processes underscores the unwavering and impersonal nature of the world. This section introduces a shift in tone from despair to a more detached observation.

Symbolism of Time and Inaction

The poem employs several recurring symbols and images that contribute to its overall message. The "dirtied glass" can be interpreted as a symbol of corrupted or tarnished memories, and a reflection of the speaker's perception of past youth. The image of "clocks whisper / and night shouts" highlights the relentless passage of time, and the panic one experiences when they realize its fleeting nature. The poem's final lines, focusing on "hands so to speak are / they always which creep budgingly over some / numbered face capable of a largest nonglance the / least unsmile," evoke a sense of passive observation. These hands suggest both the hands of a clock and perhaps the hands of time itself, slowly marking the passage of life without emotion. The "numbered face" is possibly a clock face or a detached, uncaring facial expression, reinforcing the theme of indifference.

Concluding Thoughts: Acceptance or Despair?

In conclusion, "when hair falls off and eyes blur And" is a complex poem that explores the themes of mortality, nature's indifference, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and unconventional syntax, Cummings creates a powerful and unsettling portrait of aging and loss. While the poem acknowledges the pain and fear associated with decline, it also hints at a potential for acceptance or even a kind of understanding in the face of the inevitable. Whether the poem ultimately offers a message of despair or a stoic acceptance of life's cycle remains open to interpretation, but its poignant exploration of these universal themes resonates deeply.