Poem Analysis - Always

Introduction: A Declaration of Unconditional Love

Pablo Neruda's "always" is a passionate declaration of love that transcends the past. The poem's speaker addresses a lover, urging her to embrace their future together, regardless of her past experiences. Initially, the tone is assertive and almost defiant, dismissing any jealousy. However, it shifts towards a more tender and intimate expression of commitment, culminating in a promise of a shared, solitary existence dedicated to building a new life. This journey moves from a bold acceptance of the past to a gentle anticipation of the future.

Theme: Overcoming the Past Through Love

One of the central themes of "always" is the power of love to overcome the burdens of the past. The speaker explicitly states, "I am not jealous / of what came before me." This sets the stage for an acceptance that is both radical and romantic. The vivid imagery of the woman arriving "with a man on your shoulders, / come with a hundred men in your hair," and even "a thousand men / between your breasts and your feet" does not represent true competitors, but rather experiences that cannot diminish the power of the speaker's love. He is asking her to bring every part of herself, history included, into their relationship.

Symbolism: The Drowned Men and the Wild Sea

The drowned men symbolize the past relationships and experiences that have shaped the woman. The speaker asking her to "come like a river full of drowned men / which flows down to the wild sea" uses the drowned men to represent past loves, desires, and heartaches. The "wild sea" and the "eternal surf" can be interpreted as both Time and the speaker himself: a vast, consuming, and timeless force ready to receive and integrate all of her experiences. These powerful images suggest that the speaker is not intimidated by her history but sees it as an integral part of who she is.

Theme: Intimacy and Isolation as Foundation

Another core theme is the idea of intimacy forged through isolation. The lines "We shall always be alone, / we shall always be you and I, / alone on earth / to start our life!" emphasize the exclusivity and intensity of their bond. This is not loneliness, but rather a chosen solitude, a sanctuary where they can create their own world. The poem suggests that true love requires a stripping away of external influences and distractions, a commitment to facing life together, just the two of them. This shared solitude is the fertile ground for a new beginning.

Imagery: From Burden to Cleansing

The poem employs strong imagery that evolves throughout. Initially, the image of the woman carrying men feels almost grotesque and overwhelming, a burden of the past. However, this image is transformed by the river metaphor, where the drowned men are carried to the sea, implying a process of cleansing and renewal. The sea is where things end but also where new things can emerge. The ultimate image is not one of past burdens, but of future possibilities, a "start" to "our life."

Concluding Thoughts: A Timeless Promise

"always" is a testament to the enduring power of love to transcend time and circumstance. Neruda's poem assures the recipient of his unwavering affection, a love that not only accepts but embraces her past. The promise of a shared, solitary future highlights the transformative potential of love. The poem's final significance lies in its assertion that love can create a new beginning, built not in spite of the past, but because of it. It offers a vision of love as a force that can overcome any obstacle, creating a space for two souls to connect deeply and authentically.