Poem Analysis - Wonder

A Fleeting Present and the Shadow of Mortality

Maya Angelou's "Wonder" is a short, contemplative poem that reflects on the ephemeral nature of time and the potential for art to transcend mortality. The poem begins with a vibrant image of the present, personified as being intoxicated with "nowness," but quickly shifts to a more somber mood as it contemplates the inevitability of death and oblivion. The overall tone is a blend of celebration and melancholy, prompting reflection on the legacy we leave behind.

The Sweet Intoxication of the Present

The poem opens with a striking metaphor: "A day / drunk with the nectar of / nowness." This imagery paints a picture of the present moment as something vibrant, intoxicating, and fleeting. The word "nectar" suggests sweetness and pleasure, emphasizing the joy and richness that can be found in experiencing the present. The phrase "weaves its way between / the years" implies the constant movement and interconnectedness of time, yet also highlights the day's ultimate destination: "the flophouse / of night." This sharp contrast immediately introduces the theme of mortality, juxtaposing the vibrancy of the present with the darkness and finality of death.

Art as a Bulwark Against Oblivion

The second stanza pivots to a more direct contemplation of death and the potential for art to mitigate its sting. The speaker questions, "Will I be less / dead because I wrote this / poem or you more because / you read it / long years hence." This passage directly confronts the theme of legacy and the desire to leave a lasting impact on the world. The poem suggests that art, in this case, the act of writing and reading poetry, can offer a form of immortality. The speaker hopes that the poem will resonate with future readers, thereby extending their own existence beyond their physical death. It also subtly touches upon the theme of connection, suggesting a link between the poet and the reader across time and space.

Sleep and the Symbolism of Night

The image of "the flophouse / of night" is a powerful symbol of death. A flophouse is a cheap, temporary lodging, suggesting the transient nature of life and the body as a temporary vessel. Night, of course, traditionally symbolizes darkness, the unknown, and the end of activity. The phrase "to sleep and be seen / no more" reinforces this idea of complete and utter cessation. The use of "sleep" as a euphemism for death is common, yet the addition of "be seen no more" adds a layer of finality, emphasizing the permanent disappearance that awaits us all. This evokes a sense of the unknown and the anxieties surrounding what happens after death.

The Enduring Power of Words

In conclusion, "Wonder" is a concise yet profound meditation on the fleeting nature of time, the inevitability of death, and the potential of art to transcend these limitations. Angelou masterfully uses vivid imagery and a shift in tone to explore the relationship between the present, the future, and the legacy we leave behind. While the poem acknowledges the somber reality of mortality, it also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that through creative expression, we can somehow cheat death and continue to exist in the minds and hearts of those who encounter our work. The poem's significance lies in its ability to connect with readers across time, prompting them to consider their own mortality and the legacy they wish to create.