Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Then" is a poignant meditation on the enduring nature of love and creativity beyond death. Through its compact and powerful lines, the poem explores themes of eternal presence, the transformative power of silence, and the continuous act of creation.

The poem begins with a declaration that transcends the boundary of life and death: "When I am dead, even then, / I will still love you." This opening line establishes the speaker's unwavering commitment to love, suggesting that their affection and connection will persist beyond their physical existence. The repetition of "even then" emphasizes the enduring nature of this love, reinforcing the idea that death cannot sever the bond between the speaker and the beloved.

Rukeyser continues this theme of eternal presence through poetry: "I will wait in these poems, / When I am dead, even then / I am still listening to you." The poems become a vessel for the speaker's enduring presence, a way to remain connected and attentive to the beloved. The act of "listening" indicates an ongoing engagement, a receptive and responsive stance that transcends death. Through these poems, the speaker's voice and presence continue to resonate, offering solace and companionship.

The poem further explores the concept of creating from silence: "I will still be making poems for you / out of silence; / silence will be falling into that silence, / it is building music." Here, Rukeyser delves into the paradoxical idea of generating poetry from silence, suggesting that even in the absence of sound, there is a potential for creation. The image of "silence falling into that silence" evokes a sense of deep, contemplative stillness, where layers of silence accumulate and transform into something meaningful. This process "building music" conveys the idea that from the depths of quietude and absence, beauty and expression can emerge.

"Then" captures the essence of an enduring love and the immortal nature of poetic creation. Through its simple yet profound lines, the poem emphasizes that love and creativity are not confined to the physical realm but continue to thrive in the echoes of words and the spaces between sounds. Rukeyser's exploration of silence as a fertile ground for poetry highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of connection, even in the face of mortality. The poem serves as a testament to the lasting impact of love and art, transcending the limitations of time and existence.

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