Poem Analysis - When You Come

An Evocative Journey into Memory

Maya Angelou’s "When You Come" is a poignant exploration of memory and its impact on the present. The poem unfolds as an invitation into the speaker's past, presented as a bittersweet offering. The tone is initially inviting, almost seductive, but quickly shifts towards melancholy and culminates in a powerful expression of sorrow. The poem’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia tinged with regret, highlighting the enduring power of past experiences.

The Allure of the Past

The poem centers around the theme of memory, specifically how the past, when revisited, can be both enticing and painful. The opening lines, "When you come to me, unbidden, / Beckoning me / To long-ago rooms," suggest an involuntary or perhaps even unwelcome invitation into remembrance. This unwanted intrusion emphasizes the pervasive nature of memory and its ability to surface unexpectedly. The use of "long-ago rooms" creates a sense of intimacy and seclusion, reinforcing the idea that these memories are deeply personal and emotionally charged.

Treasures and Torment: The Duality of Remembrance

The second stanza elaborates on the nature of these memories, framing them as offerings from the past. The phrase "Offering me, as to a child, an attic," is particularly potent. The attic, often a repository of forgotten objects and childhood relics, symbolizes a treasure trove of memories, both joyful and sorrowful. Items like "Baubles of stolen kisses" and "Trinkets of borrowed loves" suggest fleeting moments of happiness and affection, tinged with a sense of impermanence. The phrase “Trunks of secret words” implies a past filled with unspoken emotions and hidden narratives, adding a layer of mystery and unresolved feelings. These precious artifacts, presented as gifts, ultimately lead to the speaker's emotional breakdown.

Symbols of Ephemeral Love and Loss

Several symbols within the poem contribute to its overall message of the bittersweet nature of memory. The "stolen kisses" and "borrowed loves" serve as potent symbols of fleeting and perhaps illicit relationships. They suggest a past filled with passion but lacking in lasting commitment. These borrowed moments highlight the temporary nature of happiness and the inevitable pain of loss. The "trunks of secret words" symbolize unspoken emotions and hidden truths, suggesting that the speaker may harbor unresolved feelings or regrets from the past. These symbols work together to create a sense of longing and melancholy, underscoring the enduring impact of past experiences.

A Culmination of Sorrow

The poem culminates in a single, powerful word: "I cry." This concise declaration serves as the emotional climax, revealing the profound impact of these revisited memories. The simplicity of this statement amplifies its emotional resonance, suggesting that the weight of the past has become unbearable. It encapsulates the speaker's vulnerability and the enduring power of memory to evoke deep sadness. "When You Come" is ultimately a poignant exploration of the human experience, revealing how the past, with its joys and sorrows, continues to shape our present and influence our emotional landscape, at times causing overwhelming sadness.