Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Expecting" by Jorie Graham is a complex, meditative exploration of human connection, perception, and the nature of existence. The poem is divided into three sections, each weaving together themes of love, presence, and the intricate dance of communication and understanding.

In the first section, the poem begins with a vivid auditory image: "The bells are / ringing grammar." This metaphor suggests a structured, almost linguistic order to the sound, juxtaposed against the visual of falling snow that "will not cohere." The two codes—the ringing and the snow—are described as "mute" to each other, yet the speaker insists on the necessity of hearing both. This duality speaks to the complexities of human experience, where different perceptions and realities coexist. The speaker's reflection on linking and "law together, breed, invent the / listening, the proof / of god" hints at the human endeavor to find meaning and connection in a seemingly disjointed world.

The imagery of snowflakes building on the lips introduces an intimate, delicate interaction: "If I were you / I'd whisper them away. If you would / let me I / would touch them off, fingers quicker than / wings." However, the speaker acknowledges a boundary of understanding and respect, choosing not to touch: "But / I know you / better now. I would not touch you / now." This moment underscores the tension between desire and restraint, highlighting the intricacies of close relationships.

The second section delves into a shared memory of a "strict / blizzard" and the existential disorientation it brought: "No where, un-bounded, / absolute. There was no up or back, no other / side of this world into which / we would be / changed." The blizzard serves as a metaphor for a profound emotional and psychological experience, where the familiar structures of reality dissolve. The speaker's fear and resistance—"I could not / go on into it, would not, could not"—culminate in a moment of raw vulnerability and conflict. The physical act of striking the other person while being held underscores the tumultuous struggle to grasp some semblance of law or love amidst chaos.

The final section brings a sense of resolution and reflection. The speaker describes themselves as a "bandage," embodying both "tear" and "repair," suggesting a dual role in the process of healing and understanding. The desire for something "in- / divisible" and the acknowledgment of an anchor and stain represent the paradox of seeking purity and the inevitable imperfections of reality. The idea of letting go "as the wind picks up" signifies a readiness to embrace change and imperfection.

The bells reappear, symbolizing a call to attention and a longing for connection: "The bells on the wind are nothing, can't you hear them, / my / reader?" This direct address to the reader emphasizes the poem's exploration of communication and the expectation of being "interrupted." The bells are "not free / to go unheard," reflecting the persistent nature of human desire for understanding and connection.

As the poem concludes, the speaker reflects on the imperfection and growth of their love: "I'm listening / for you as you grow more and more / imperfect, acquisitive, until you will be audible my / love." This acceptance of imperfection and the anticipation of an eventual, profound understanding underscores the poem's exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the ongoing journey toward deeper connection.

"Expecting" by Jorie Graham masterfully intertwines sensory imagery, introspection, and philosophical musings to explore the nature of human connection and the search for meaning. Through its rich, layered language and contemplative tone, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and the intricate dance of communication and understanding that defines our existence.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...