Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Gain" by Richard Aldington is a reflective and sensuous poem that contemplates the human capacity for pleasure and passion in the face of the gods' distant and seemingly superior existence. The poem, characterized by Aldington's sharp imagery and emotional depth, challenges the notion of divine supremacy in the realm of joy and desire, celebrating the intensity and beauty of human experiences.

The poem opens with an appeal to the gods, described as "jesting" and "bitter," who sit "goldenly aloof from us." This imagery portrays the gods as detached and possibly mocking observers of human life, removed from the immediate, visceral experiences of mortals. The speaker expresses a hope that these gods would not mock humans too deeply, suggesting a sense of inferiority or vulnerability in the human condition.

However, the poem quickly shifts to a declaration of human capability and worth. The speaker asserts that humans, though made of "but air and dust," are capable of experiencing deep pleasure and desire. The act of "Moistening that dust a little with old wine / And kindling the air with fire and love" symbolizes the human ability to elevate the mundane aspects of existence into something more profound and enjoyable.

The poem vividly describes passionate encounters, with the speaker and their lover experiencing "blossoming pangs" and leaning on "soft breasts made keen with love." The language used is both sensuous and intense, illustrating the depth and potency of human passion. The "murmuring fierce words of rending bliss" conveys the overwhelming nature of their desire and pleasure.

Aldington uses floral and fiery imagery to describe the sensations of love and lust, referring to "The twin wild roses of delight" and "The quickflower-flames that sear into the soul / Sharp wounds of pleasure and extreme desire." These metaphors capture the dual nature of intense pleasure — both beautiful and potentially painful, fleeting yet deeply impactful.

In summary, "Gain" by Richard Aldington is a celebration of the human ability to experience profound pleasure and desire, despite the apparent superiority of the gods. The poem challenges the notion that divine beings hold a monopoly on joy and ecstasy, asserting the value and intensity of human experiences. Through vivid imagery and passionate language, Aldington conveys the beauty and power of love and desire, highlighting the richness of the mortal experience.

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