Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Afterlife" by Dick Allen is a poignant exploration of love's endurance beyond the physical realm, touching upon themes of memory, transcendence, and the essence of human connection. The poem unfolds as a narrative journey, beginning with the end of a physical journey that metaphorically represents the end of life as we know it. The travelers find themselves in an afterlife that is both unfamiliar and serene, marked by "savage red blossoms" and "rivers quietly swaying," suggesting a beauty that is intense yet peaceful.

The discovery that they recognize each other immediately upon arrival in this afterlife speaks to the depth of their connection, transcending the physical separation of death. The warmth in the hands and the blood returning to the lips are vivid images that symbolize life’s essence carrying over into the afterlife, hinting at a continuity of existence beyond death.

The question "Did our love survive?" and the hesitant yet affirmative response underscore the uncertainty about what aspects of our lives and relationships persist after death. This moment of doubt followed by confirmation suggests that while the physical world and its memories may fade, the emotional and spiritual bonds forged in life have a resilience that survives.

Building a cabin together in this afterlife symbolizes the couple's commitment to creating a new existence together, rooted in the familiar yet adapted to the unknown. Their avoidance of the past, perhaps due to its fading memory or the pain it might bring, and their focus on the tranquility of their new surroundings, indicate a forward-looking perspective that cherishes the present moment and the new realities they encounter.

The poem's setting, with its "strange beautiful birds" and "the hush at nightfall," evokes a sense of wonder and calm, suggesting that the afterlife offers a chance for renewal and continued growth. The anticipation of a "footfall" implies a belief in other reunions or arrivals, perhaps with loved ones or with a divine presence, adding a layer of hopeful expectation to their existence.

The tenderness in the mornings, the shared walks to the spring, and the awkward, happy singing are intimate details that capture the essence of their relationship, now freed from the constraints and troubles of the physical world. These moments of joy and simplicity underscore the idea that love, in its purest form, can create a sense of belonging and contentment, even in the most unfamiliar of settings.

"Afterlife" concludes with a fleeting memory of their past life, a reminder of their earthly existence where they were perceived as lovers. This recollection, though vague, reinforces the notion that the love they shared in life is the foundation upon which their afterlife is built. Allen's poem beautifully conveys the idea that love is a force that not only endures beyond death but also has the power to shape our experiences in the afterlife, offering a vision of continuity and eternal connection.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=33488

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