Poem Analysis - We Are The Time

Introduction: A Meditation on Time and Change

Jorge Luis Borges' "We are the time" is a profound reflection on the nature of time, change, and human identity. The poem's tone is initially declarative and assertive, gradually shifting to a more melancholic and contemplative mood as it explores the fleeting nature of existence. Borges uses powerful imagery and symbolism to convey the constant flux and the struggle to find permanence in a world defined by impermanence. The poem is a brief, yet powerful examination of our place within the relentless current of time.

Heraclitus' River: Embracing Constant Flux

The poem directly references Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher famous for his doctrine of perpetual flux. Borges states, "We are the time. We are the famous / metaphor from Heraclitus the Obscure." This establishes the central theme: time is a river, constantly flowing and changing. The poem then reinforces this idea by asserting "We are the water, not the hard diamond, / the one that is lost, not the one that stands still." This imagery emphasizes the ephemeral nature of our existence compared to something unyielding. We, like water, are destined to change and eventually disappear, not remain static and immutable like a diamond. Borges is suggesting that true existence lies in accepting this flow, even as it leads to loss.

The River and the Reflection: Identity in Flux

Borges develops the theme of change by extending the Heraclitian metaphor: "We are the river and we are that greek / that looks himself into the river." Here, we are both the time (the river) and the observer contemplating time's passage. The reflection in the river, representing the self, is not fixed but "changes into the waters of the changing mirror, / into the crystal that changes like the fire." This suggests that our identities are not stable entities but are constantly being reshaped by the flow of time and experience. This idea raises a question: If our reflection is constantly changing, can we ever truly know ourselves?

The Inevitable Journey: Mortality and Predestination

The poem introduces a sense of inevitability with the line, "We are the vain predetermined river, / in his travel to his sea." The river's journey to the sea symbolizes the human journey towards death. The word "vain" suggests that the river's (and our) struggle is ultimately futile, as the destination is predetermined. "The shadows have surrounded him. / Everything said goodbye to us, everything goes away." The imagery of shadows and farewells underscores the sense of loss and the approaching end of life. This creates a tone of somber acceptance of mortality's unwavering advance.

Memory's Limits: The Elusive Nature of Permanence

Borges explores the limits of memory in the face of time's relentless flow. "Memory does not stamp his own coin." This powerful line suggests that memory cannot capture and preserve the past in a permanent, unchangeable form. Just as a coin loses its sharpness with wear, memories fade and become distorted over time. This loss of clear recollection further emphasizes the ephemeral nature of existence and the difficulty of holding onto the past. Without solid memories, what are we?

Residue of Being: Something that Remains

Despite the poem's overall sense of transience and loss, it ends with a glimmer of hope or, at least, a lingering presence. "However, there is something that stays / however, there is something that bemoans." This suggests that even as everything changes and disappears, something remains – perhaps a residue of experience, a trace of being, or even the echo of grief itself. This “something” isn’t clearly defined, but its presence introduces a subtle ambiguity and offers a counterpoint to the poem's overwhelming sense of impermanence, hinting at a possible continuation beyond the reach of time.

Conclusion: Echoes in the Void

"We are the time" is a poignant exploration of time's relentless flow and its impact on human identity and memory. Through vivid imagery, the poem evokes a sense of melancholy as it contemplates the ephemeral nature of existence. While acknowledging the inevitability of change and loss, Borges offers a glimmer of hope in the form of an undefined "something" that remains, suggesting that perhaps our existence leaves a trace even in the face of oblivion. The poem reminds us to confront the transient nature of existence and appreciate the precious, fleeting moments that define our individual journey.