Poem Analysis - To Find A Kiss Of Yours

Introduction: A Lament for Lost Love

Federico Garcia Lorca’s "To find a kiss of yours" is a poignant exploration of longing and the devastating aftermath of lost love. The poem vibrates with a sense of profound desire coupled with the stark realization of its impossibility. The tone is initially one of fervent yearning, gradually shifting to a melancholic acceptance of absence. The speaker grapples with the potent memory of a kiss, a gaze, and an embrace, each now tainted by the "dirt of shadows" and the "blinded" light of past joy. The poem leaves the reader with a lingering sense of sorrow and the bittersweet recognition of beauty forever altered by loss.

Lorca's Poetic Heart

Federico Garcia Lorca, a Spanish poet and playwright, lived during a period of significant social and political upheaval in Spain. While this poem doesn't directly address specific historical events, Lorca's works often explore themes of passion, loss, and the complexities of human relationships, all of which are present here. His personal experiences and his engagement with the cultural landscape of Spain likely influenced his sensitivity to themes of intense emotion and the transient nature of beauty and love.

The Price of Remembrance: Desire and Loss

One of the central themes is the overwhelming power of desire and its inextricable link to loss. The repeated phrase "what would I give" underscores the speaker's desperation to recapture even a fleeting moment of intimacy. However, each stanza ends with a statement of irrevocable loss: the kiss is "dead to love," the eyes are blinded, and the thighs are a "sediment" of a vanished sun. The speaker is not simply remembering; they are reliving the pain of absence. The poem illustrates how intense desire can become a source of suffering when the object of that desire is unattainable. The imagery of decay and fading light contrasts sharply with the initial vibrancy of the remembered moments, highlighting the devastating impact of loss on the speaker's perception of beauty.

Symbols of Memory: Kiss, Gaze and Touch

Recurring symbols throughout the poem serve as potent reminders of the lost intimacy. The "kiss" is not just a physical act but represents a deeper connection that has been severed. It is a tangible symbol of a love that is now "dead," leaving the speaker to taste "the dirt of shadows." The "dark eyes," once brimming with life and described as "dawns of rainbow garnet," are now blinded, signifying a loss of vision and perhaps a loss of hope. This blinding might symbolize the harsh realities of life obscuring the beauty that once existed. Finally, the "pure thighs," described with imagery of "raw rose crystal" and "sediment of the sun," suggest a memory of vibrant life force and passion which is now reduced to mere remnants, mere "sediment." These symbols are all linked to specific sensory experiences, emphasizing the physical and emotional impact of the loss on the speaker.

Imagery of Fading Light: Metaphors of Decay

The poem is rich with imagery related to light and its diminishing presence. The "dawns of rainbow garnet" initially evoke a sense of vibrant beauty, but this image is quickly followed by the stark contrast of the stars being "blinded." This use of contrasting imagery serves to amplify the feeling of loss and decay. The thighs, once associated with the vibrancy of the "sun," are now merely "sediment," suggesting a residue of something powerful that has faded away. The speaker's lips tasting "the dirt of shadows" is a particularly striking image, illustrating the way in which loss can taint even the most basic sensory experiences. This recurring motif of fading light and encroaching darkness reinforces the overall theme of lost love and the speaker's descent into a state of emotional despair.

Conclusion: A Lingering Echo of Absence

"To find a kiss of yours" is a powerful lament for a love that has been irrevocably lost. Through vivid imagery and poignant symbolism, Lorca captures the essence of desire intertwined with the pain of absence. The poem explores the lasting impact of lost intimacy and the way in which memories can both haunt and sustain us. The speaker's willingness to give anything to recapture a moment underscores the profound depth of their longing, while the descriptions of fading light and decay emphasize the finality of the loss. Ultimately, the poem serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the enduring sorrow of its absence.