Poem Analysis - Remembrance

Introduction: A Poem of Passion and Presence

Maya Angelou's "remembrance" is an intimate exploration of love, desire, and longing. The poem’s tone begins with sensuality and tenderness, describing a lover’s touch with vivid imagery, but shifts toward a deeper, almost desperate yearning once the lover withdraws. The juxtaposition of physical closeness and emotional hunger creates a powerful tension, revealing how love lingers even in absence.

Themes: Love’s Physical and Emotional Impact

The poem delves into love as both a physical and emotional force. Phrases like "your hands easy weight" and "your smile at the slope of my cheek" emphasize the gentleness of affection, while "mystery rapes my reason" introduces a jarring contrast, suggesting how love can overwhelm logic. The speaker’s "greedy" consumption of their lover’s presence after separation highlights the emotional void left behind, portraying love as something cherished most intensely in memory.

Symbolism: Bees, Light, and Lingering Scents

The poem’s imagery is rich with symbolism. The "bees hived in my hair" evokes sweetness and agitation, mirroring the conflicting emotions of desire. The lover’s body "glowing, spouting readiness" portrays passion as a luminous, almost divine force. The lingering "smell of your love" becomes a ghostly reminder of intimacy, suggesting love’s ability to persist beyond physical presence. These symbols deepen the poem’s exploration of love’s transformative power.

Conclusion: The Intensity of Absence

Angelou’s poem ultimately suggests that love’s true weight is felt most in its absence. The speaker’s longing to "greedily consume" their lover’s presence reveals how desire lingers, shaping memory and emotion. Through sensual imagery and raw vulnerability, "remembrance" captures the paradox of love—its ability to be both overwhelming and fleeting, leaving an indelible mark long after the moment has passed.