Poem Analysis - Breath

Initial Impressions

Ogden Nash's "Breath" is a contemplative poem that explores the delicate balance of life and the inevitable passage of time. The tone is reflective and somewhat somber, with a sense of acceptance and even reverence for the natural processes that sustain and ultimately end life. The poem shifts from a calm, almost clinical description of bodily functions to a more philosophical reflection on the struggle and eventual loss of life.

Themes of Mortality and Acceptance

The primary theme of "Breath" is mortality. The poem begins with a straightforward description of the body's functions, using phrases like "breath slip out" and "blood, be channeled" to depict the continuous cycle of life. This imagery sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the body's inevitable decline. The repetition of the word "blood" and "breath" emphasizes their essential roles in sustaining life, making their eventual failure all the more poignant.

The theme of acceptance is woven throughout the poem. The speaker acknowledges the "battle" that breath and blood wage, knowing full well that it is a battle they "must lose." This acceptance is not resigned but rather a recognition of the natural order. The use of the word "gallant" to describe breath and blood suggests a noble and courageous struggle, adding a layer of dignity to the inevitable end.

The final theme is the struggle for life. The poem highlights the ongoing effort required to maintain life, using the metaphor of a battle. The phrase "wage the battle" implies a continuous and arduous effort, underscoring the fragility and preciousness of life. The speaker's reverence for breath and blood as "blessed" and "gallant" elevates this struggle to a heroic level, making the eventual loss all the more poignant.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem employs vivid imagery to convey its themes. The "breath" and "blood" are not just bodily functions but symbols of life itself. The breath "slip out" and the blood "be channeled" are actions that sustain life, making their eventual failure a poignant reminder of mortality. The use of the word "wind" to describe the movement of blood adds a sense of fluidity and continuity, contrasting with the finality of death.

The phrase "battle they must lose" is a powerful symbol of the human condition. It acknowledges the inevitability of death while also highlighting the courage and resilience of life. The battle is not just physical but also metaphorical, representing the ongoing struggle to maintain life in the face of inevitable decline. The use of the word "gallant" to describe breath and blood adds a layer of nobility to this struggle, making it a heroic endeavor.

Conclusion

"Breath" by Ogden Nash is a profound meditation on life, mortality, and the struggle for existence. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem explores the delicate balance of life and the inevitable passage of time. The themes of mortality, acceptance, and the struggle for life are woven together to create a poignant reflection on the human condition. The poem's final insight is a reminder of the dignity and courage inherent in the ongoing battle for life, even as it acknowledges the inevitability of death.