Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Discordants: 1" by Conrad Aiken is a deeply moving and poignant poem that explores themes of loss, memory, and the enduring impact of love. The poem reflects on the profound sense of emptiness and longing that follows the loss of a loved one, and how ordinary objects and experiences become imbued with deep significance in the wake of such loss.

The opening lines, "Music I heard with you was more than music, / And bread I broke with you was more than bread," immediately establish the idea that shared experiences with the beloved were transformative, elevating simple actions to something sacred and profound. This indicates that it was the presence of the loved one that imbued these moments with a special meaning, making them more than just ordinary experiences.

The phrase "Now that I am without you, all is desolate; / All that was once so beautiful is dead," captures the sense of desolation and profound grief that comes with loss. The absence of the loved one renders the world colorless and lifeless, a stark contrast to the richness that their presence once brought.

Aiken then shifts the focus to everyday objects – a table, silverware, and a glass – that the beloved once touched. He notes, "These things do not remember you, beloved, -- / And yet your touch upon them will not pass." This paradox highlights the enduring physical absence of the loved one, while suggesting that their essence or memory lingers on in the objects they interacted with.

The most poignant aspect of the poem is the realization that it is in the speaker's heart that the beloved continues to live: "For it was in my heart you moved among them, / And blessed them with your hands and with your eyes." This suggests that the true imprint of the loved one is not in the physical world but in the internal world of the speaker, where memories and emotions reside.

The closing lines, "And in my heart they will remember always, -- / They knew you once, O beautiful and wise," affirm the lasting impact of the loved one. The use of "beautiful and wise" as descriptors underscores the deep admiration and reverence the speaker holds for the lost beloved.

In summary, "Discordants: 1" is a tender and elegiac reflection on love, loss, and memory. Aiken uses simple yet powerful imagery to convey the enduring presence of a loved one in the heart and mind, even in their physical absence. The poem beautifully captures the way love and loss can transform our perception of the world and leave an indelible mark on our hearts.

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