Poem Analysis - I Will Be

Introduction: A Journey of Anticipation

E.E. Cummings' "i will be" is a poem that pulses with anticipation and a raw, almost vulnerable, longing. The tone initially exudes a nervous energy, a fragmented excitement about an impending encounter. As the poem progresses, this energy morphs into a more melancholic and almost desperate yearning, finally resolving into a hopeful, albeit fragile, expectation. The poem feels like a sensory experience, capturing the physical and emotional sensations associated with awaiting a loved one.

Sensual Exploration and Love

One of the primary themes explored in "i will be" is the experience of sensual love and longing. The opening lines immediately immerse the reader in a physical space, described as "the Street of her body." This is not just about physical desire, but a deeper connection where the loved one's very being becomes a landscape to be explored. The phrase "feeling aroundMe the traffic of lovely" is particularly striking, using the metaphor of "traffic" to suggest the vibrant and overwhelming sensations associated with her presence. The imagery of "muscles-sinke x p i r i n g" suggests a release and surrender to this overwhelming feeling, almost a loss of self within the experience of love.

Mortality and Ephemeral Beauty

The poem also touches upon the theme of mortality and the ephemeral nature of beauty. The lines following the kiss, where the speaker describes how her "hands will play on,mE as dea d tunes OR s-crap p-y lea Ves flut te rin g / from Hideous trees," introduces a contrasting image of decay and transience. The "dead tunes" and "scrappy leaves" suggest a feeling of being used or discarded, highlighting the vulnerability inherent in love. The contrast with "Hideous trees" implies that even beauty can emerge from something unpleasant or decaying. The section with the pigeons flying and the sunlight, "SpRiN,k,LiNg," is another fleeting moment of beauty before all goes "BlacK wh-eel-ing," showing how quickly joy and beauty can be eclipsed by darkness and despair.

Hope and Anticipation in Twilight

Despite the moments of darkness and vulnerability, the poem ultimately leans towards hope and the anticipation of reunion. The final section, "where you will come, / at twi li ght s(oon & there’s / a m oo )n," signifies a shift in tone. The "twi li ght" setting, while perhaps slightly melancholic, also hints at the beauty of the evening and the promise of intimacy. The inclusion of the moon, even fragmented as it is, symbolizes romance and anticipation. The poem ends on a note of fragile optimism, with the speaker eagerly awaiting the arrival of their loved one.

Symbolism of Light and Darkness

The poem employs a recurring symbolism of light and darkness. Initially, there's the "sunLight" that fleetingly illuminates the pigeons, symbolizing moments of joy and intense emotion. However, this quickly turns to "BlacK," representing potential despair, loss, or perhaps the overwhelming nature of the speaker's emotions. The "twi li ght" setting at the end represents a balance between these two extremes, suggesting a more tempered and perhaps more realistic hope. Is the darkness in this poem a symbol of despair, or is it a symbol of passion that can be all consuming? The poem leaves this open to interpretation.

Conclusion: A Fragile Hope

"i will be" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the complex emotions associated with love, longing, and anticipation. Cummings uses unconventional language and form to create a visceral experience for the reader, drawing them into the speaker's internal world. While the poem acknowledges the vulnerability and potential for pain in love, it ultimately concludes with a fragile hope, suggesting that the anticipation of reunion can be a source of strength and comfort even in the face of uncertainty. The poem's strength lies in its honest portrayal of the emotional highs and lows inherent in the human experience of love.