Poem Analysis - Once A Great Love

Introduction: Acknowledging Loss and Finding Perspective

Yehuda Amichai's "Once A Great Love" is a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of a significant past relationship. The poem begins with a stark image of emotional division, then transitions into a more contemplative and ultimately accepting tone. While acknowledging the deep wound inflicted by the love's end, the poem doesn't dwell in bitterness. Instead, it explores how the speaker has learned to live with the memory, understanding its permanent, albeit somewhat distant, presence in his life. The poem blends pain with a quiet understanding, showcasing a journey from raw emotion to measured acceptance.

The Enduring Impact of Love's Division

The opening lines establish the central theme of enduring impact. The metaphor of the snake "cut in two" vividly portrays the speaker's life after the breakup. The two parts of his life, one presumably before and one after the love, are irrevocably separated. The image is jarring, emphasizing the pain and lasting division created by the end of the relationship. The phrase "goes on twisting at some other place" suggests that the separated part of his life continues to exist, though in a different, perhaps less fulfilling, form. This image hints at a sense of loss but also resilience, a life continuing despite the severing.

Healing, Acceptance, and the "Sea Level" Metaphor

The second stanza introduces the theme of healing and acceptance. Time, a common healer, has "calmed" the speaker, bringing "rest to [his] eyes." This signals a shift from the initial shock and pain to a state of relative peace. The introduction of the "Sea Level" metaphor is crucial. Standing in the Judean desert, the speaker cannot physically see the sea but understands its existence based on the sign. This symbolizes how the great love, though no longer actively present in his life, continues to define a part of him. The memory of the love is a constant, measurable point of reference, even in its absence.

The Persistence of Memory: "Face Level"

The poem's final lines cement the theme of memory's persistence. The speaker remembers the loved one "everywhere at your 'face Level.'" This evocative image suggests that the memory of the loved one is not just a fleeting thought but an integral part of the speaker's everyday experience. The phrase "face Level" mirrors the "Sea Level" metaphor, implying a constant, measurable presence of the loved one’s memory. This could be interpreted as a bittersweet acknowledgement that even though the relationship is over, the loved one and the associated emotions continue to influence the speaker’s perceptions and interactions with the world. Is the implication that all future partners will be measured against that past experience, and is this a good or a bad thing?

Conclusion: Love's Enduring Mark and Acceptance

In conclusion, "Once A Great Love" is a powerful exploration of love's enduring impact and the process of healing after loss. Amichai uses potent imagery, especially the snake cut in two and the "Sea Level" metaphor, to convey the lasting impression left by the great love. The poem moves from the initial pain of separation to a quiet acceptance, highlighting the speaker's ability to find peace while acknowledging the indelible mark the relationship has left on his life. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even in absence, love continues to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, acting as a constant point of reference in the landscape of our experiences.