Poem Analysis - Anniversary

An Ethereal Journey: Introduction

Gabriela Mistral's "anniversary" is a short, evocative poem that contemplates a profound, perhaps spiritual, union or transition. The tone is initially one of quiet anticipation, almost a dreamlike state of waiting. As the poem progresses, it shifts to a more contemplative mood, tinged with both uncertainty and a hopeful acceptance of the unknown. The poem explores themes of mortality, connection, and the search for a deeper meaning beyond the physical realm.

The Threshold of Being: Themes of Transition

One of the central themes is the transition from earthly existence to something beyond. The opening lines, "And we go on and on, / neither sleeping nor awake," depict a state of limbo, suggesting a journey between life and death, or perhaps between a conscious and unconscious state. The phrase "flesh is gone" strongly indicates a departure from the physical body, emphasizing the spiritual nature of this transition. The theme of connection is present through the "we," implying a shared experience, possibly with a lover or a soulmate, embarking on this journey together. The poem also grapples with the theme of knowing; the speakers are "unaware," highlighting the mystery and uncertainty surrounding the nature of this transformation.

Silence and the Caller: Symbolism and Imagery

The poem utilizes potent symbols and imagery. Silence is a recurring motif, described as "perfect." This suggests a stillness that allows for deeper understanding or connection, but also represents the unknown and the absence of earthly communication. The image of the "Caller" represents a divine presence or a higher power, but crucially, the Caller does not "reveal his face." This ambiguity suggests that the nature of this higher power remains mysterious and cannot be fully comprehended in a conventional way. This use of imagery contributes to the poem's overall message about the limits of human understanding and the embrace of the unknown.

The Gift of the Eternal: A Hopeful Interpretation

The final stanza offers a glimmer of hope and acceptance. The speaker suggests that their current state "might be" a "gift." This introduces the possibility that the unknown, the lack of earthly form, and the silent presence of the "eternal Face without gestures" are not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced as a higher form of existence. The "kingdom without form" symbolizes a realm beyond the limitations of the physical world, a space where connection and understanding transcend the boundaries of earthly experience. Perhaps the lack of physical manifestation is the ultimate form of freedom, of true union.

Beyond the Veil: Concluding Thoughts

"anniversary" is a meditative exploration of transition and the search for meaning beyond the physical world. It invites readers to contemplate the nature of mortality and the possibility of a connection that transcends earthly limitations. Through its evocative imagery and carefully chosen words, the poem creates a sense of quiet anticipation and acceptance, suggesting that the ultimate gift may lie in embracing the unknown and finding solace in the silence. The poem encourages introspection on the limits of human perception and the potential for a deeper, more profound reality.