Poem Analysis - For What As Easy

Introduction: A Delicate Offering

W.H. Auden's "For What As Easy" is a short, intimate poem that feels like a carefully considered gift. It speaks of ease, simplicity, and the quiet understanding between two people. The tone is tender and earnest, with a hint of vulnerability as the speaker attempts to articulate something profound. The mood remains relatively consistent throughout, though there is a sense of growing certainty as the poem progresses toward its conclusion about the enduring power of the heart.

The Simplicity of Connection

One of the central themes of the poem is the value of simplicity in relationships. The opening lines emphasize what is "easy" and "small," suggesting that profound connection can be found in the unassuming aspects of life. The phrase "what is well / Because between" highlights the significance of the space and understanding that exists between two people. The speaker offers this simplicity – "To you simply / From me I mean" – positioning it as a precious and deliberate gift, not something accidental or superficial. This focus on ease suggests a rejection of the complexities and drama that can often overshadow genuine connection.

The Language of the Body

The poem also explores the theme of unspoken communication and physical intimacy. The second stanza introduces a more sensual element with the lines "Who goes with who / The bedclothes say." This suggests that the body itself communicates desires and truths that words might fail to capture. The phrase "Go kissed away" implies a dissolving of boundaries and a merging of identities. The "data given, / The senses even" further reinforces the idea that the physical experience provides essential information and creates a balanced understanding between the individuals involved. The imagery here is subtle yet evocative, focusing on the sensory experience of closeness.

The Heart's Enduring Truth

The final stanza addresses the theme of fate and the enduring power of love. The lines "Fate is not late, / Nor the speech rewritten, / Nor one word forgotten" suggest a sense of inevitability and permanence. The speaker asserts that the initial promise, "Said at the start / About heart, / By heart, for heart," remains true and unchanged. The repetition of "heart" emphasizes its central role as the source and recipient of love and truth. This ending provides a sense of reassurance and finality, suggesting that the bond forged between two hearts is resilient and unwavering, capable of withstanding the test of time and circumstance. This unwavering belief in the heart's truth elevates the poem beyond a simple love declaration to a more profound statement about the enduring nature of human connection.

Symbolism of Kiss

The image of being "kissed away" is symbolic. It could represent a release or surrender within the relationship. The kiss is symbolic of ultimate trust where a person gives themselves completely over to another. It symbolizes the fading or erasure of individual boundaries and separation leading to a complete union. A question to ponder is: Does this "kissing away" denote a complete merging where the two are essentially one, or does it imply a potential loss of self within the partnership?

Conclusion: A Legacy of Simple Truth

"For What As Easy" is a deceptively simple poem that delves into the core of human connection. Through its emphasis on ease, physical intimacy, and the enduring power of the heart, Auden crafts a tender and heartfelt expression of love and understanding. The poem's significance lies in its ability to find profound meaning in the ordinary, reminding us that the most valuable connections are often built on a foundation of simplicity, honesty, and unwavering commitment to the truths held within the heart. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the simple act of being present with another person.