Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marilyn Hacker's poem "First, I Want to Make You Come in My Hand" is a vivid and intimate exploration of desire, intimacy, and the deep emotional connection between lovers. The poem uses explicit language and imagery to capture the intensity of physical and emotional intimacy, while also exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and the intricate dynamics of a romantic relationship.

The poem begins with a direct and powerful statement: "First, I want to make you come in my hand." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing the speaker's desire to provide pleasure to their lover. The use of the word "first" suggests that this act is only the beginning, hinting at a series of intimate moments that will unfold throughout the poem.

Hacker's use of sensory imagery is particularly striking. The speaker expresses a desire to watch and kiss their lover, to drink their tears, and to feel the physical response of their lover's body. The imagery is both tactile and emotional, conveying the deep connection between the speaker and their lover. The line "I'll drink your tears while, with my whole hand, I hold your drenched loveliness contracting" captures the blend of physical pleasure and emotional release that is central to the poem.

The poem then transitions to a new phase of intimacy: "After a breath, I want to make you full again, and wet. I want to make you come in my mouth like a storm." The comparison of the lover's climax to a storm evokes the overwhelming and uncontrollable nature of desire and passion. The speaker's desire to make their lover come again emphasizes the cyclical and continuous nature of their intimacy.

Hacker's use of the phrase "The sum of your parts is my whole most beautiful chart of the constellations" introduces a metaphor that likens the lover's body to a map of the stars. This metaphor elevates the physical and emotional connection between the lovers to a cosmic level, suggesting that their intimacy is a guiding force in the speaker's life. The specific mention of the lover's left breast in the speaker's mouth further emphasizes the physical closeness and the attention to detail in their intimate moments.

The poem continues with a reflection on age and time: "You know you'll have to be your age. As I lie beside you, cover me like a gold cloud." This line acknowledges the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, but it also emphasizes the timeless nature of their love and intimacy. The comparison of the lover to a "gold cloud" suggests a sense of warmth, comfort, and protection, highlighting the deep trust and emotional security in their relationship.

The final lines of the poem return to the theme of mutual pleasure and trust: "hands everywhere, at last inside me where I trust you, then your tongue where I need you. I want you to make me come." These lines capture the reciprocal nature of their intimacy, with the speaker expressing their own desires and needs. The repetition of the word "trust" underscores the importance of emotional and physical trust in their relationship, while the final line brings the poem full circle, echoing the desire expressed in the opening line.

In conclusion, Marilyn Hacker's "First, I Want to Make You Come in My Hand" is a powerful and evocative exploration of intimacy and desire. Through explicit imagery and metaphor, the poem captures the deep emotional and physical connection between lovers, emphasizing themes of trust, vulnerability, and the cyclical nature of pleasure. Hacker's language is both raw and tender, creating a vivid portrait of love and passion that resonates on both a personal and universal level.

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