Poem Analysis - Across

Introduction: Intimacy and Transcendence

Octavio Paz's "Across" is a deeply sensual and evocative poem exploring the intimate connection between two lovers. The poem blends physical desire with a quest for deeper understanding and transcendence. Initially, the tone is one of surrender and acceptance, guided by the beloved. It shifts into a passionate immersion in the physical world before venturing into more abstract and symbolic realms, concluding with a sense of transformation and rebirth. The poem ultimately depicts love as a journey towards a different kind of existence.

Theme of Surrender and Guidance

One prominent theme in "Across" is the speaker's willingness to surrender to and be guided by the beloved. The opening lines, "I turn the page of the day, / writing what I'm told / by the motion of your eyelashes," immediately establish this dynamic. The speaker is not in control; instead, they are following the subtle cues of their lover. This act of surrender suggests a profound trust and a willingness to be led into unknown emotional and sensory territories. The phrase "amnesia guides me" at the poem's end reinforces this idea, suggesting that letting go of conscious control is necessary for transformation. The lover’s presence becomes the catalyst for moving "to the other side of life.”

Darkness as Truth and Transformation

The poem uses imagery of darkness to represent truth and the potential for transformation. The speaker desires to "enter you, / the truthfulness of the dark" and to "drink the black wine," indicating a yearning to delve into the hidden, unexplored aspects of the self and the relationship. Darkness is not portrayed as negative, but rather as a space where genuine connection and understanding can be found. The act of having the eyes "crushed" symbolizes a willingness to abandon superficial perceptions in order to experience a deeper, more profound reality. The "drop of night" on the breast represents the mysteries of sensuality and the unknown potential within the physical realm.

Sensuality and the Garden of the Body

The poem is rich with sensual imagery that celebrates the lover's body as a source of both pleasure and spiritual insight. Images like "your breast's tip: / mysteries of the carnation" and "your wet tongue" evoke a vivid sense of intimacy and desire. The description of "fountains / in the garden of your veins" elevates the body to a sacred space, a source of life and abundance. The lover's body becomes a landscape to be explored, a garden filled with secrets and wonders. The "mask of blood" suggests passion but also vulnerability, hinting at the raw and sometimes painful nature of intense emotional connection.

The Significance of the Amnesia

The closing lines of the poem, "With a mask of blood / I cross your thoughts blankly: / amnesia guides me / to the other side of life," are particularly striking. The "mask of blood" could symbolize the intensity and rawness of passion, a shedding of the old self. "Amnesia" suggests a forgetting of the past, a release from preconceived notions and limitations. Being guided by "amnesia" implies trusting instinct and intuition, allowing oneself to be led into a new state of being. The phrase "the other side of life" hints at a transformation, a rebirth, or a glimpse into a different dimension of existence made possible through the profound connection with the beloved. Is this a literal death or more a symbolic one - death of the old self?

Conclusion: A Journey Beyond the Self

"Across" is a powerful exploration of love as a transformative experience. Through vivid imagery and a willingness to embrace both sensuality and darkness, the poem portrays the lover's body as a gateway to a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. The act of surrendering to the beloved and allowing oneself to be guided into the unknown leads to a kind of rebirth, a crossing "to the other side of life." The poem suggests that true intimacy requires a willingness to let go of control, embrace vulnerability, and trust in the power of connection to guide us towards profound personal growth.