Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Movement Song" by Audre Lorde is a poignant exploration of the transient nature of relationships and the emotional complexity that accompanies saying goodbye. The poem weaves in and out of intimate and detached moments, encapsulating the fluctuating emotional states of longing, acceptance, and resignation.

The speaker has "studied the tight curls on the back of your neck," signifying an intimacy that is both profound and melancholy. The attention to detail suggests that this is a relationship that has deeply affected the speaker, yet the opening lines also speak of "moving away from me/beyond anger or failure." These lines highlight the inevitability of separation, one that transcends petty disputes or any specific shortcomings. The line "we were always saying goodbye" encapsulates the temporal nature of the relationship, hinting that the act of parting has been integral to their union.

"Your face in the evening schools of longing/through mornings of wish and ripen" indicates fluctuating emotional states and changing times of the day that reflect the ever-changing aspects of the relationship. The use of 'evening' and 'morning' could imply the cycle of their relationship from beginning to end. The words 'wish' and 'ripen' add layers of anticipation and maturity, encapsulating the life cycle of desires that are born, grow, and eventually reach an end.

"Do not remember me as a bridge nor a roof/as the maker of legends/nor as a trap," the speaker implores. Here, they don't want to be seen as merely a transitional phase or a protector, rejecting any categorization that simplifies their role in the other's life. The speaker is essentially resisting the reduction of their complex relationship to mere symbols or archetypes, understanding that to do so would be to deny the depth and intricacy of their shared experiences.

The lines that talk about "black and white clericals/hang on the edge of beauty in five o'clock elevators" add a sociocultural layer to the poem. Clericals, often referring to people in administrative or clerical jobs, showcase the ordinary yet stressful lifestyle that often leaves little room for deep emotional attachment. This stands in contrast with the previous intimate descriptions, showing the schism between public life and private emotional experience.

The poem concludes with a sense of surrender and resignation: "the sands have run out against us." Despite the weight of the emotions and experiences they have shared, time has not been on their side. Yet, there's an acceptance, "I am a fellow rider in the cattle cars," placing both of them as equal participants in a journey that was destined to be temporary. The poem ends with the line "only ourselves," highlighting the idea that the ultimate loss is personal and internal.

Overall, "Movement Song" captures the emotional tumult of a relationship defined by its transient nature. It examines the conflict between the internal world of emotions and the external world of social norms and responsibilities, concluding that despite the intensity of personal experiences, they remain ephemeral in the grand scope of life. With its nuanced emotional landscape, the poem serves as a meditation on the temporality of human relationships.

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