Poem Analysis - Variation On The Word Sleep

Introduction: A Yearning for Intimacy and Protection

Margaret Atwood's "Variation On The Word Sleep" is a deeply intimate and tender poem that explores the speaker's profound desire for connection with a loved one. The poem unfolds as a series of wishes, expressing a longing to not only share physical space but also to penetrate the subconscious world of the other person. The tone is initially wistful and yearning, shifting into a more protective and nurturing mode as the speaker imagines shielding their beloved from fear and grief. This culminates in a final expression of wanting to be essential, yet unobtrusive.

The Unreachable Other: Love and Connection

One of the central themes of the poem is the desire for complete and total connection with another person. The opening lines, "I would like to watch you sleeping, / which may not happen," immediately establish a sense of longing and a recognition of the limitations of intimacy. The repetition of "I would like" emphasizes the speaker's yearning, highlighting the gap between desire and reality. This desire extends beyond mere observation, as the speaker wishes "to sleep / with you, to enter / your sleep." This suggests a craving for a deep, almost spiritual union, a wish to be completely intertwined with the other person's being.

Navigating the Subconscious: Journey Through Dreams

The poem intricately develops the theme of navigating the subconscious realm, specifically through the metaphor of dreams. The central stanzas depict a vivid dreamscape – "that lucent / wavering forest of bluegreen leaves / with its watery sun & three moons." This surreal imagery creates a sense of both beauty and unease, reflecting the complex nature of dreams. The speaker wishes to guide their loved one through this landscape, protecting them from "the grief at the center / of your dream." This act of protection transforms the speaker into a guardian, emphasizing the depth of their care and concern.

Protection and Essence: Symbolism of Air and Flame

Several recurring symbols contribute to the poem’s overall message. The "silver / branch" and "small white flower" represent tokens of comfort and protection against the darkness within the dream. The image of the speaker becoming "the boat that would row you back" is particularly powerful, symbolizing a safe passage and a return to reality. Perhaps the most poignant image is the "flame / in two cupped hands," suggesting a fragile and precious love that needs to be carefully protected. The final image of the speaker wanting to be "the air / that inhabits you for a moment / only...that unnoticed / & that necessary" speaks to a desire for a profound and fundamental, yet selfless connection. The speaker wants to be essential to the other person's existence, but without being intrusive or demanding.

Final Thoughts: A Poignant Exploration of Love's Depth

"Variation On The Word Sleep" is a poignant exploration of the multifaceted nature of love and the deep-seated human desire for connection. The poem uses vivid imagery and evocative language to convey a sense of yearning, protection, and a longing for intimacy that transcends the physical realm. Through the speaker's wishes and imagined journeys, Atwood reveals the profound depth of love, portraying it as both a fragile flame to be guarded and an essential element for survival, like the very air we breathe. The poem leaves the reader contemplating the boundaries of intimacy and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the well-being of a loved one.