Poem Analysis - Its Good To Feel You Are Close To Me

A Silent Vigil: Introduction to Neruda's Intimate Nightscape

Pablo Neruda's "It's Good To Feel You Are Close To Me" is a tender exploration of intimacy and connection within the shared space of sleep. The poem unfolds as a quiet meditation on the speaker's observation of his sleeping lover, moving from a sense of reassurance to a deeper contemplation of their intertwined existence. The tone is initially peaceful and comforting, marked by a sense of watchful adoration. However, it gradually shifts to a more philosophical and slightly mysterious reflection on the nature of connection and the enduring presence of their bond, even in the liminal space between wakefulness and sleep.

Love's Quiet Manifestation: A Primary Theme

The primary theme of the poem is, undeniably, love, but it's not the passionate, fiery love Neruda is often known for. Instead, it's a quieter, more profound appreciation of closeness and the invisible threads that bind two people together. This love is expressed through observation and a sense of protective tenderness. The speaker finds comfort in the mere presence of his lover, emphasizing the security derived from her proximity: "It's good to feel you are close to me in the night, love." This highlights that love isn't always about grand gestures, but often resides in the unspoken assurance of shared space and being.

Dream and Reality: Boundaries Blurred

The poem also explores the theme of the boundary between reality and dream. The sleeping lover exists in a realm separate from the speaker, yet they are still connected. Her "heart sails through dream," while her body "breathes / seeking me without seeing me." This suggests a subconscious connection, a need for the other that persists even when conscious awareness is absent. The "frontiers lost in the night" represent the blurred boundaries between their individual realities and the shared experience of their relationship. This exploration delves into the mystery of how we remain connected to those we love, even when physically or mentally separated.

Shadow and Light: Symbolism of Transformation

A recurring symbol in the poem is the interplay of shadow and light. The night, the "dark," and the "shadows" represent the subconscious, the realm of dreams, and the unknown aspects of both the self and the relationship. Light, conversely, symbolizes waking life, clarity, and understanding. The phrase "the sign of the shadows had sealed / its secret creatures with flame" suggests that the experiences and emotions encountered in the darkness of sleep and the unknown have a transformative power. They leave an indelible mark, "sealed with flame," which ultimately strengthens the bond between the two lovers and draws them "into the light of life." It implies the intimate moments shared, even those unseen, shape and enrich their relationship.

A Plant in the Dark: Vivid Imagery of Growth

The vivid image of the lover "perfecting my dream / like a plant that seeds itself in the dark" is particularly striking. This metaphor suggests a passive yet powerful influence. The sleeping lover unconsciously nurtures the speaker's inner world, much like a plant quietly grows and seeds itself in the darkness. It's a beautiful image of subtle yet profound support and enrichment within the relationship. The image avoids active and purposeful, yet carries a huge amount of meaning about silent assistance. This image also raises a question: is the plant “seeding itself” just to grow itself, or is the plant an analogy to their combined lives growing together?

Intimate Revelations: Conclusion

In conclusion, "It's Good To Feel You Are Close To Me" is a quietly powerful poem that explores the depths of intimacy and connection within a relationship. Neruda masterfully uses imagery, symbolism, and shifts in tone to reveal the subtle ways in which love manifests itself, even in the silent spaces of sleep. The poem suggests that the bonds between two people are not solely defined by conscious interactions but are also nurtured by subconscious connections and the shared experiences encountered in the liminal space between dream and reality. It’s a poem about the comforting presence of a loved one, a presence that sustains and shapes us even when they are seemingly absent in sleep, highlighting the enduring power of love's unseen influence.