Poem Analysis - To The One Who Is Reading Me

A Somber Reflection on Mortality

Jorge Luis Borges's "to the one who is reading me" is a stark meditation on mortality, addressed directly to the reader. The poem's tone is initially unsettling, almost accusatory, as it confronts the reader with their inevitable demise. This direct address forces the reader to confront their own mortality, creating a sense of unease and introspection. While the poem begins with a seemingly detached observation, it transitions into a more contemplative and even somber mood as it explores the fleeting nature of existence and the universality of death.

The Weight of Destiny

One of the poem's central themes is mortality. The opening lines immediately establish this, declaring, "You are invulnerable. Didn’t they deliver / (those forces that control your destiny) / the certainty of dust?" This confronts the reader with the inescapable fact that their destiny, regardless of perceived invulnerability, leads to dust. The poem emphasizes the ephemeral nature of human existence, comparing it to a river (alluding to Heraclitus's famous paradox of constant change) and suggesting that even the most permanent-seeming things, like marble slabs, are merely temporary markers of a life already passed. The poem explicitly uses the word "fatal" to show the inescapable nature of death.

Dreams of Time

The theme of time is interwoven with mortality. The poem asserts that "other men are also dreams of time," highlighting the transient nature of human existence within the vast expanse of time. They are not solid or lasting like bronze or gold, but rather ephemeral dreams destined to fade. This emphasizes that every person, including the reader, is a temporary phenomenon, ultimately subject to the relentless flow of time. The comparison of the universe to Proteus, a shapeshifting sea god, underscores the ever-changing, fluid nature of reality, further diminishing the significance of individual existence.

The Illusion of Permanence

The poem explores the theme of the illusion of permanence. The "marble slab" pre-engraved with epitaph and dates symbolizes society's attempt to memorialize and grant permanence to the deceased. However, the poem argues that this is ultimately futile, as the reader will never read it. The slab is a stark reminder of the limitations of human efforts to transcend mortality. This paradox emphasizes the gulf between the desire for lasting significance and the inevitability of oblivion. Borges uses the marble slab to show how society is coping with death.

Shadows of Death

The image of shadows is a recurring motif. The reader is referred to as a "shadow" traveling towards "the fatal shadow waiting at the rim," which represents death. Shadows, by their nature, are insubstantial and fleeting, further reinforcing the theme of impermanence. The shadow acts as an embodiment of mortality. This imagery contributes to the poem's overall somber and fatalistic tone, emphasizing the inevitability of death as the ultimate destination for all. It also is a way to point out the ignorance of the reader, unaware of their own impending doom.

A Final Meditation

In conclusion, "to the one who is reading me" is a profound and unsettling exploration of mortality and the human condition. Through vivid imagery, stark pronouncements, and a direct address to the reader, Borges forces us to confront our own impermanence. The poem suggests that acknowledging our mortality is not an act of despair, but a necessary step in understanding our place within the vast, ever-changing universe. Ultimately, the poem's final line – "Know this: in some way you’re already dead" – serves as a powerful reminder that life is a journey toward death, and that a part of us begins to fade the moment we are born. Borges creates a moment of introspection, leaving the reader to meditate on the inevitability of death.