Poem Analysis - When I Have Thought Of You Somewhat Too

A Poem of Passion and Perception

E.E. Cummings' "when i have thought of you somewhat too" is a raw and intimate exploration of desire and its transformative effect on perception. The poem begins with a frank acknowledgment of lust, but quickly transitions into a deeper expression of love and a surreal, almost hallucinatory experience. The tone shifts from explicitly sensual to intellectually and emotionally charged, culminating in a surprising and somewhat absurd final image. This is a poem about the overwhelming power of attraction and its capacity to distort and reshape reality.

The Unfolding of Love and Lust

One primary theme in this poem is the blurred line between lust and love. The initial lines directly address lust, using phrases like "perfectly and / simply Lustful." However, the poem quickly pivots with the simple yet powerful statement "i love you." This transition suggests that, for the speaker, lust is not merely physical, but intertwined with a profound emotional connection. The "speed of white speech" with which the lover's body reaches back indicates a mutual and equally intense feeling, further blurring the boundaries between physical desire and genuine affection. The poem refrains from presenting them as mutually exclusive feelings, portraying them as a continuum of experience.

Transformation and Distorted Reality

Another key theme is the transformation of perception under the influence of intense emotion. As the speaker succumbs to desire, the world around him becomes distorted and surreal. The phrase "how beautifully swims / the fooling world in my huge blood" vividly illustrates this altered state. The blood, acting as a metaphor for the speaker's overwhelming passion, warps the perception of reality. Similarly, the image of "cracking brains A swiftlyenormous light" suggests a cognitive shift, as if the force of attraction is literally reshaping the speaker's thoughts and understanding. The self perceives the world in a new, chaotic light.

The Absurdity of Self-Awareness

A final, somewhat unexpected theme is the absurdity of self-awareness amidst intense passion. The poem culminates with the image of "a comic tadpole wriggling in delicious mud." This seemingly bizarre image suggests a moment of self-deprecating humor and recognition of the primitive, almost animalistic nature of desire. The "chattering self perceives with hysterical fright" points to the speaker's awareness of his own vulnerability and the potential for embarrassment or foolishness in succumbing to such overwhelming feelings. This moment injects a note of levity into the poem, preventing it from becoming overly sentimental or self-serious.

Symbolism of Light and Water

Several vivid images contribute to the poem's overall message. The "swiftlyenormous light" symbolizes the sudden and blinding realization of love and desire. It's a moment of intense clarity, but also potentially overwhelming and disorienting. The image of "swimming" and the "tadpole" evokes the fluidity and primordial nature of desire. Water, in this context, could represent the subconscious or the depths of human emotion. The "mud" suggests a grounding element, a recognition of the earthy and physical roots of attraction. A possible interpretation is that even in the most intense and transcendent moments of love, there is still a basic and somewhat comical physicality at play.

Concluding Thoughts: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Desire

In conclusion, "when i have thought of you somewhat too" is a poem that fearlessly explores the complex interplay of lust, love, and perception. Cummings captures the transformative power of desire, showing how it can distort reality, ignite the imagination, and even inspire a sense of self-aware absurdity. The poem’s final image serves as a reminder that even in the most profound experiences, there is room for humor and a recognition of our own human imperfections. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the full spectrum of human emotion, embracing both the sublime and the ridiculous aspects of love and desire.