Poem Analysis - Who Knows If The Moons

A Whimsical Flight of Fancy

E.E. Cummings' "who knows if the moon's" is a charming, whimsical poem that invites the reader to embrace a childlike sense of wonder. The poem's tone is light and playful, a fantastical musing on the possibilities beyond the mundane. It paints a picture of an idealized, utopian world filled with beauty and love. The poem offers a brief escape from reality into a dreamlike space.

Love's Enchanting Embrace

One of the central themes of the poem is love. This love isn't described explicitly, but is instead presented as an inherent part of the idealized world within the "keen city." The lines "everyone's / in love" suggest a pervasive atmosphere of affection and harmony. This isn't just romantic love; it's a broader sense of connection and belonging. The image of "flowers pick themselves" can be interpreted as a symbol of effortless beauty and the natural abundance of love in this imagined place. The effortless and natural act of flowers picking themselves highlights that the ability to give love should be effortless as well.

The Allure of Escape

Another key theme is the desire for escape. The poem presents a yearning to transcend the limitations of the everyday world. The moon, envisioned as a "balloon," becomes a vehicle for this escape, carrying the speaker and the "you" to a "keen city which nobody's ever visited." This city, existing beyond "houses and steeples and clouds," represents a realm free from the constraints and imperfections of earthly life. The poem suggests a dissatisfaction with the ordinary and a longing for something more beautiful, more fulfilling, and perpetually new ("always / it's / Spring").

Dreamlike Imagery and Open Possibilities

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery. The moon, as a balloon, is a central image, representing not just escape, but also a sense of lightheartedness and possibility. Balloons are typically associated with childhood joy and celebration, reinforcing the poem's playful tone. The "keen city" itself symbolizes an idealized space, perhaps a metaphor for a perfect emotional or spiritual state. The choice of "Spring" as the eternal season is also significant. Spring is traditionally associated with rebirth, growth, and new beginnings, highlighting the sense of hope and renewal that characterizes this imagined world. Does the fact that there are "pretty people" mean there are those that are not so pretty and are not welcomed into the moon balloon? This question is never answered but opens up the possibility that, even in such a whimsical place, not all are welcomed.

A Timeless Yearning

In conclusion, "who knows if the moon's" is a testament to the human desire for beauty, love, and escape. Through its whimsical imagery and playful tone, the poem invites us to embrace a sense of wonder and to imagine a world where everything is perfect and effortless. It underscores the timeless human yearning for connection, fulfillment, and a space free from the constraints of reality. The poem is a reminder of the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of idealized visions.