Poem Analysis - Last Dawn

A Quiet Intimacy and Existential Wonder

Octavio Paz’s "Last Dawn" is a poem of quiet intimacy juxtaposed with a vast, almost unsettling sense of existential questioning. The poem begins with a focus on closeness and shared space, a feeling of peaceful domesticity. However, this quickly gives way to contemplation about the nature of being, the fleeting nature of time, and the unknown future. The tone is initially tender and observational, slowly shifting to a more pensive and philosophical mood as the poem unfolds, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of uncertainty.

The Paradox of Scale: Smallness and Immensity

One of the central themes of "Last Dawn" is the paradox of human existence, our inherent smallness in the face of the immensity of the universe and time. This theme is introduced with the lines "How much we are who are so little!" Here, Paz directly addresses the seemingly insignificant role we play against the backdrop of the world. The image of the sleeping lover being "bigger than the night" yet having her "dream fit within this room" highlights this contrast. Although her inner world (the dream) can be contained in a limited space, her presence at that moment dominates the immensity of night itself. This underscores the idea that even small, intimate moments can hold immense weight and significance.

Time's Unending, Circular Flow

The relentless and cyclical nature of time is another key theme explored in the poem. The line "The river that runs by / is always running back" is a powerful symbol of this. A river typically flows in one direction, but Paz presents it as running back on itself, suggesting the repetitive and perhaps futile nature of time's passage. This image could also represent a cyclical view of history, or the idea that the past is never truly gone but always present, influencing the current moment. This cyclical imagery contrasts with the idea of a linear progression towards an undefined "tomorrow," as questioned in the final stanza.

Ghosts, Roads, and the Unknown Tomorrow

The poem employs several potent images, among them the "taxi...with its load of ghosts." This is a particularly evocative image, open to multiple interpretations. The "ghosts" could represent memories, past experiences, or even the unresolved aspects of the passengers' lives. The taxi itself could symbolize the journey of life, carrying these spectral burdens. This image adds a layer of unease and mystery to the poem, contrasting with the initial sense of intimacy. The final line, "Will tomorrow be another day?" introduces a note of uncertainty and anticipation, questioning whether the future will simply be a repetition of the past or something fundamentally different.

A Lingering Question of Being

In conclusion, "Last Dawn" is a profound meditation on the complexities of human existence. The poem moves from a scene of intimate connection to a broader contemplation of time, being, and the unknown future. The contrasting images of smallness and immensity, the cyclical river, and the ghostly taxi all contribute to a feeling of wonder and uncertainty. Ultimately, Paz's poem invites the reader to reflect on their own place in the grand scheme of things, and to ponder the mystery of what tomorrow may hold, leaving the reader with a sense of quiet contemplation on the nature of our existence.