Poem Analysis - You Asked Me To Come It Was Raining A Little

Introduction: A Fleeting Impression of Love and Disillusionment

E.E. Cummings' "You Asked Me To Come: It Was Raining A Little" is a brief but potent exploration of a fleeting, passionate encounter that ultimately devolves into disillusionment. The poem begins with an atmosphere of fresh, almost childlike wonder, capturing the sensuality of spring and burgeoning romance. However, this initial enchantment quickly fades, revealing a cynical and perhaps regretful perspective on the relationship. The tone shifts from playful and evocative to bitter and detached, reflecting the transient nature of the connection described.

Spring's Promise: An Initial Bloom of Sensual Connection

The poem initially develops the theme of ephemeral love by using vivid imagery of springtime. The opening lines set a scene of fresh, burgeoning life. The "clumsy brightness of air" and "amorous-tadpole people" evoke a sense of playful innocence and the stirrings of desire. The "jigging fragrance of newness" further amplifies the feeling of burgeoning life and potential. The description of the encounter as it unfolds is passionate and direct; the speaker highlights the physical connection – "your kiss was a distinct brittle flower" – demonstrating love's immediate yet fragile character. This part of the poem suggests a world of pure, sensory experience.

From Bloom to Decay: The Transience of Passion

The theme of transience is explored as the initial excitement gives way to cynicism. The poem presents the experience of love as being temporary, the passion fleeting. The line "So until light/each having each we promised to forget" highlights the awareness that this connection will not endure. The speakers actively acknowledges the intended brevity, signifying a lack of hope for a lasting relationship. The idea of shared secrecy is crucial to maintain the encounter, because it further emphasizes its fleeting nature.

The Crushing Weight of Reality: Disillusionment and Regret

As the poem progresses, it reveals the theme of disillusionment. The shift in tone becomes apparent in the concluding lines where the speaker adopts a critical and detached perspective. The descriptions of "cheap intelligent thighs" and "electric trite thighs" replace the initial romantic imagery, suggesting a lack of genuine emotional connection. The use of words like "cheap," "trite," and "stupidly" indicates a feeling of disappointment and perhaps regret. The "hair stupidly priceless" is a particularly striking image, highlighting the speaker's sense of having been fooled or misled by superficial qualities. The poem suggests that the initial passion was based on shallow attraction that has ultimately led to emptiness.

Symbols of a Decaying Connection: Flowers and Rain

The recurring images of rain and flowers are significant symbols. Rain, initially presented as "a little," can be interpreted as a symbol of cleansing or renewal associated with spring, but it can also foreshadow the washing away of the initial passion. The "brittle flower" kiss initially signifies delicacy and beauty, but its brittleness suggests fragility and the potential for breaking. In the second half of the poem, the flower imagery is transformed into something artificial. The images of flowers and rain are recontextualized to show the changing and eventual collapse of an intimate relationship.

Conclusion: A Bitter Reflection on Fleeting Encounters

"You Asked Me To Come: It Was Raining A Little" is a poignant reflection on the ephemeral nature of passionate encounters. Beginning with an atmosphere of youthful wonder and sensual exploration, the poem swiftly transitions into a cynical critique of superficiality and fleeting connection. By juxtaposing images of spring's promise with the harsh realities of disillusionment, Cummings reveals the underlying emptiness that can lie beneath the surface of physical attraction. The poem serves as a reminder that not all moments of intense passion lead to lasting fulfillment, and that sometimes, the most vibrant encounters can leave us feeling emptier than before.