Poem Analysis - When Life Is Quite Through With

A Gentle Acceptance of Mortality

E.E. Cummings' "When Life Is Quite Through With" is a delicate meditation on death and the enduring beauty of the natural world. The poem exudes a quiet acceptance, almost a resignation, to the inevitable end of life and love. Despite the initial acknowledgement of loss ("when life is quite through with/ and leaves say alas"), the poem transitions into a serene contemplation of what remains. It evokes a sense of peace rather than despair, focusing on the cyclical continuation of nature. The poem's tone is melancholic but ultimately hopeful, finding solace in the enduring beauty of the natural world.

The Enduring Power of Nature

One of the central themes in the poem is thetranscendence of nature over human mortality. The imagery of the swallow completing its flight, the bee dozing on poppies, and the oaks and roses deliberating near a grave, all suggest a world that continues regardless of individual loss. The swallow's flight, in particular, symbolizes freedom and the continuation of life's journey, even as individual lives end. The "million years" that might pass while a bee dozes highlights the vastness of time compared to the brevity of human existence. These natural images contrast with the human elements of "life" and "love," underscoring nature's persistent presence and perhaps suggesting that true beauty and meaning lie in its embrace.

Love's Aftermath

The theme of love, and its eventual passing, is explored through the line "when love's had his tears out." This suggests that love, like life, has a natural course, including moments of sorrow and grief. The phrase "perhaps shall pass/ a million years" after love's tears implies that time heals all wounds, even those inflicted by heartbreak. While love may bring pain, its absence doesn't necessarily lead to emptiness. Instead, the poem implies that love's memory can coexist with the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. Perhaps the poppies and roses symbolize love's beauty, even in its dormant state, as the bee "dozes" on them.

Symbolism of Rest and Deliberation

Several recurring symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. The image of the bee "dozing on the poppies" is particularly significant. It can be interpreted as a symbol ofpeaceful rest and acceptance, a state of contentment found in nature. The poppies themselves are often associated with sleep and death, reinforcing the theme of mortality. The phrase "oaks and roses/deliberated" is intriguing. Oaks are symbols of strength and longevity, while roses represent love and beauty. Their "deliberation" suggests a thoughtful, perhaps even philosophical, consideration of life and death, implying that nature itself reflects on the human condition. Is this deliberation a comforting sign that even in death, we are contemplated and remembered by the natural world, or is it simply an indifferent observation of our passing?

A Final Thought: Acceptance and Beauty

In conclusion, "When Life Is Quite Through With" is a poem about accepting the inevitable end of life and love while finding solace in the enduring beauty of nature. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Cummings crafts a message of peace and acceptance, suggesting that even in death, there is beauty and continuity. The poem doesn't shy away from the sadness of loss but ultimately emphasizes the transformative power of nature to heal and offer comfort. It's a reminder that life, like a swallow's flight, completes its arc, leaving behind a world that continues to bloom and evolve.