Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Long Long Ago" by Robert Desnos is a melancholic reflection on the passage of time, memory, and the enduring nature of love. This poem, rich in imagery and emotion, explores the juxtaposition between the permanence of certain memories and the inexorable aging of both the physical world and the self. Through a series of vivid, dreamlike scenes, Desnos conveys a sense of nostalgia for a past imbued with love and beauty, even as he acknowledges the changes wrought by time.

The poem begins with the speaker's journey through a "castle of leaves," a symbol of fragile, ephemeral beauty that is "Yellowing slowly in the moss." This image sets the tone for the poem, evoking a world where beauty is transient, yet deeply felt. The presence of "barnacles clung desperately to rocks in the sea" further underscores the theme of tenacity and the struggle to hold on to what is dear, despite the forces of nature and time.

Desnos introduces the beloved's memory as "better still your tender presence," suggesting that the loved one's essence transcends mere memory to become a palpable, living presence in the speaker's world. This notion of the beloved as both absent and intensely present pervades the poem, highlighting the complex ways in which we carry our loves and losses within us.

The acknowledgment that "Nothing had changed but everything had aged at the same rate as my temples and my eyes" reflects the bittersweet realization that while the essence of certain experiences remains unchanged, the physical reality around us, including our own selves, undergoes transformation. Desnos's mention of "that platitude" and his ironic satisfaction with it reveals a self-awareness about the clichéd nature of such observations, even as he finds a rare comfort in them.

The recurring motif of the "long long ago" and the evocation of specific memories, like the shipwreck (or possibly a woman's hat) and the night of storms and kisses, serve to ground the poem in concrete images while also lending it an air of mystery and ambiguity. These snapshots from the past, blending the real with the surreal, create a tapestry of memory that is both specific to the speaker's experience and universally relatable.

The transformation of the aperitifs, with their changing names and colors, and the "rainbows framing the mirrors" suggest the mutability of perception and the ways in which time alters our understanding and experience of the world. Yet, amidst these shifts, the assertion "Long long ago you loved me" stands as a poignant reminder of the love that remains a fixed point in the speaker's memory and heart.

"Long Long Ago" captures the enduring power of love and memory against the backdrop of time's relentless march. Desnos masterfully blends vivid imagery, emotional depth, and a touch of irony to explore the ways in which the past continues to inhabit the present, shaping our sense of identity and our understanding of love's lasting impact. Through this poem, Desnos invites readers to reflect on their own memories and the indelible marks left by love, even as the world around us changes.

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