Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Side by Side" by Rachel Hadas is a contemplative poem that explores the liminal spaces between sleep and wakefulness, presence and absence, action and inaction. The poem opens with a dialogue, "Are you asleep? Not really," which sets the tone for an exploration of the in-between states of consciousness.

Hadas vividly describes the semi-conscious mind of the first speaker, where "a mountain pass, a valley / unfurl before your eyes." This imagery suggests a dreamscape or an internal landscape that is rich and dynamic, even as the speaker remains in a state of partial wakefulness. The "galloping images" that "seethe in your skull" convey a sense of restless mental activity, a mind that is both active and trapped in the liminal space between waking and dreaming.

The second stanza shifts the focus to another speaker who asks, "Am I awake? Not really." This speaker is aware of their physical presence—"I know where my arms and legs are / and that the cat’s head rests against a flank." This grounding in physical sensation contrasts with the mental disorientation, highlighting the dichotomy between body and mind. The speaker's ability to "answer the phone in a flash and sound alert" indicates a readiness for action, yet this readiness is undercut by a deeper, underlying sense of reluctance.

Hadas then delves into the subtleties of these states. She describes "a sly / spark of alertness" hiding within drowsiness, suggesting that even in moments of near-sleep, there is a part of the mind that remains vigilant. Conversely, in the speaker’s "readiness to leap from bed," there is "a dim refusal" lurking. This juxtaposition emphasizes the complexity of human consciousness, where alertness and inertia coexist, each influencing the other.

The poem's structure, with its concise and measured lines, mirrors the theme of duality and balance. The parallelism between the two speakers' experiences creates a sense of symmetry, reinforcing the idea of being side by side in these shared states of half-awareness. The interplay of readiness and reluctance, alertness and drowsiness, captures the nuanced reality of human experience, where simple states of being are often layered and contradictory.

In "Side by Side," Rachel Hadas masterfully explores the blurred boundaries between sleep and wakefulness, using vivid imagery and precise language to convey the richness of these in-between states. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of consciousness and the subtle interplay of readiness and hesitation that characterizes much of human life. Through its exploration of these themes, the poem offers a profound meditation on the nature of awareness and the complexities of the human mind.

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