Poem Analysis - Drunk As Drunk

Introduction: A Sensory and Intimate Journey

Pablo Neruda's "drunk as drunk" is a poem of intense sensory experience and passionate love, charting a journey from a state of intoxicated bliss to a wistful longing for simplicity. The poem begins with a burst of erotic energy, steeped in unusual imagery, then gradually transitions to a quieter, more reflective mood. The tone evolves from one of unrestrained physical pleasure to one of gentle melancholy, hinting at the ephemeral nature of intense experience and the pull of the mundane.

Neruda's Poetic Sensuality

While specific historical or social circumstances aren't overtly referenced, it's important to acknowledge Neruda's broader poetic style. He's renowned for his passionate, often surreal, and sensual imagery. The poem reflects his characteristic embrace of physical love and the natural world, expressed through striking metaphors and evocative language.

Theme of Intoxication and Transcendence

One major theme is the intoxication of love, which transcends the physical world. The opening lines, "Drunk as drunk on turpentine/from your open kisses," immediately establish this state. The unusual comparison of kisses to turpentine suggests a dangerous, almost volatile, intoxication. The lovers, intertwined, navigate their "boat that is made of flowers" over the "sky's hot rim," implying that their love has lifted them above ordinary reality and into a realm of heightened experience. The imagery is surreal, suggesting a dreamlike state fueled by intense passion.

The Ephemeral Nature of Bliss

Another prominent theme is the transient nature of heightened experience and the inevitable return to reality. The central part of the poem depicts a long, languid period of drifting, "pinned by the sun between solstice and equinox." This suggests a timeless, almost suspended state of bliss, but the use of the words "drowsy" and "tangled" gives a hint of ennui. The awakening, marked by "the bitter taste of land on our lips," signals the end of this idyllic phase and a return to the more grounded, less exhilarating world.

Yearning for Simplicity and Groundedness

A third theme is the longing for simplicity and connection to the earth. After their extended period of intense passion, the lovers express a desire for "lime/and the sound of a rope lowering a bucket down its well." These images represent a return to basic, elemental pleasures and a connection to the land. The "lime" suggests a refreshing cleansing, while the well evokes a sense of depth, groundedness, and the simple rhythms of everyday life. The contrast to the earlier "sky's hot rim" is stark, highlighting the cyclical nature of human experience and the desire for balance.

Recurring Images: Boat and Water

The recurring imagery of boats and water is significant throughout the poem. The "boat that is made of flowers" in the beginning represents the fragility and beauty of their love, as well as its capacity to transport them to extraordinary realms. Later, the image of "fish under the net of our kisses" suggests a more confined and perhaps vulnerable state, a return to a more primal and instinctive mode of being. Water, in general, symbolizes both the fluidity and intensity of their passion, as well as the potential for immersion and surrender.

Concluding Thoughts: A Cycle of Passion and Longing

In conclusion, "drunk as drunk" is a complex and evocative poem that explores the intoxicating power of love, the inevitable return to reality, and the underlying human desire for simplicity. The poem charts a cycle, moving from intense passion to a quiet longing for the grounding elements of life. The final image of lying "like fish under the net of our kisses" is ambiguous. It could represent a sense of satisfaction and contentment, or perhaps a feeling of being caught and constrained after such a period of freedom. Ultimately, the poem's strength lies in its ability to capture the fleeting nature of intense experiences and the enduring human need for connection, both with each other and with the world around us.