Poem Analysis - Wish

A Simple Desire: An Introduction to Lorca's "Wish"

Federico Garcia Lorca's "Wish" is a deceptively simple poem that yearns for a deeply personal and intimate paradise. The poem's tone is initially one of quiet longing, a desire for a space stripped of the unnecessary and artificial. This simplicity, however, gives way to a more profound and almost spiritual sense of connection, culminating in a feeling of peaceful acceptance. The poem oscillates between earthly desires and a vision of transcendent unity, leaving the reader contemplating the nature of true fulfillment.

The Core of Connection: Love as the Central Theme

The most prominent theme in "Wish" is undoubtedly love, conceived as a profound, essential connection between two individuals. The opening and closing lines, "Just your hot heart, / nothing more," immediately establish this focus. This refrain emphasizes that the speaker desires nothing more than the core essence of their beloved. The poem contrasts this simple, vital connection with the complexities of the outside world, suggesting that true love exists beyond superficial adornments and societal expectations. The image of "our kisses, / sonorous circles / of echoes" expanding "far-off" reinforces the idea that love creates ripples of connection that extend beyond the immediate moment, echoing through time and space.

Beyond the Surface: The Symbolism of Simplicity

Lorca masterfully employs symbolism to convey the desired simplicity of his paradise. The "field, / no nightingales, / no strings, / a river, discrete, / and a little fountain" represents a space purged of ornamentation and pretense. The absence of nightingales and strings, typically associated with romantic serenades, suggests a rejection of conventional expressions of love in favor of something more authentic and understated. The "discrete river" and "little fountain" evoke a sense of quiet, natural beauty, symbolizing the purity and essential nature of the speaker's longing. The removal of "the spurs, / of the wind, in the branches" and the "star, / that wants to be a leaf" further underscores the rejection of restless ambition and the desire for peaceful stillness.

The Flow of Otherness: Spirituality and Transcendence

The poem also touches upon themes of spirituality and transcendence, albeit in a subtle and understated way. The lines "An enormous light / that will be / the flow / of the Other, / in a field of broken gazes" are particularly significant. The "enormous light" could be interpreted as divine illumination or enlightenment. The "flow of the Other" suggests a merging of identities or a connection to something greater than oneself. The "field of broken gazes" is more ambiguous, but it could represent a world where superficial judgments and perceptions have been shattered, allowing for a deeper and more authentic understanding of reality. This suggests that the speaker's desire for love is intertwined with a longing for spiritual unity and a transcendent experience.

An Echo of Eternity: The Significance of Intimacy and Peace

Ultimately, "Wish" is a poem about finding peace and fulfillment in the simple act of connection. Lorca uses vivid imagery and powerful symbolism to depict a paradise that is not defined by material possessions or external validation, but rather by the intimacy and shared experience of two souls. The poem’s effectiveness lies in its ability to evoke a universal desire for a space where love can flourish, unburdened by the complexities and distractions of the world. The final return to the refrain "And your hot heart, / nothing more" emphasizes the lasting power of genuine emotional connection and the enduring human need for simple, unadulterated love.