Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Sharon Olds' poem "The Knowing" delves into the intimate and profound connection between two lovers, exploring the depths of their bond through the lens of post-coital contemplation. The poem intricately weaves themes of love, understanding, and the transcendent nature of human connection, using vivid imagery and reflective language to capture a moment of shared existence that transcends the physical.

The poem begins in the aftermath of a physical union, described as having been in a state akin to a "paradise-coma." This description evokes a deep, peaceful rest, a state of blissful unawareness from which they awaken. As they lie together, the focus shifts from the physical to the emotional and spiritual, as they "lie a long time looking at each other." This act of gazing is not merely visual but is imbued with a sense of mutual recognition and understanding.

The speaker expresses uncertainty about what the other sees but describes what she perceives with profound clarity: "eyes of surpassing tenderness and calm, a calm like the dignity of matter." This comparison elevates the beloved's calmness to a fundamental, almost elemental quality, as unyielding and stable as the physical world. The speaker's admiration extends to the physical attributes of the beloved, particularly the "open ocean blue-grey-green of his iris" and the curve of it against the white of the eye. This curve is likened to the earth seen from space, an expansive and awe-inspiring image that suggests the beloved's eyes hold a universe within them, a view that has moved the speaker deeply.

The speaker marvels at the beloved's "kindness without self-regard," a quality that seems rare and precious. This kindness, almost devoid of ego, becomes even more poignant when the speaker acknowledges that despite the possibility of choosing others, the beloved chose her. This choice signifies a deep commitment, highlighting the uniqueness of their bond.

The poem then explores the concept of knowing, both in the literal and metaphorical sense. By knowing the beloved, the speaker gains insight into "the purity of the animal which mates for life," a metaphor for a deep, instinctual loyalty. The speaker finds joy in the simple act of observing the beloved, noting how his expression remains calm and unchanged even when she cries. The tears, described in an almost scientific manner, "hit the sheet" and "braid and sluice down," are compared to the early days of earth and the invention of farming—an analogy that underscores the natural, nurturing aspects of their relationship and the cultivation of a stable, settled love.

The speaker feels privileged to "know him," emphasizing the exclusivity of their connection: "I am the only one who knows him." This assertion speaks to the intimate knowledge shared between them, a knowledge that goes beyond the physical to encompass the entirety of the other's being.

As the poem draws to a close, the speaker reflects on the continuity of their bond. Even as they doze and wake, the beloved continues to gaze at her "as if he is eternal," suggesting a timeless quality to their love. The description of their current state, "sated, though we are hardly touching," transitions into a deeper realization. The speaker recognizes that they are experiencing a different kind of "coming," one that moves "beyond the body itself." This shift from the physical to the metaphysical marks their journey into a deeper, more profound connection—a "place beyond the other places," where they continue to "make love" in the truest sense, through their deepening gaze and mutual recognition.

"The Knowing" beautifully captures the essence of a deep, committed relationship where true intimacy transcends the physical realm. Sharon Olds uses precise and evocative imagery to convey the depth of the lovers' connection, portraying a love that is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual. The poem reflects on the beauty of being truly seen and known by another, celebrating the quiet, profound moments that define a lasting bond.

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