Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Stanley Merwin's poem "Anniversary on the Island" captures a sense of timelessness and deep connection with nature, reflecting on the cyclical and eternal aspects of existence. The poem evokes a serene, contemplative atmosphere, where the island setting becomes a metaphor for stability, continuity, and the enduring presence of love.

The poem begins with a tranquil image of the ocean's rhythm: "The long waves glide in through the afternoon / while we watch from the island." This opening line sets a calm, meditative tone, emphasizing the steady, unchanging nature of the waves and their continuous motion. The waves represent the passage of time, gliding in a seamless flow, while the speaker and their companion observe from a place of constancy and peace.

The setting is further described as "the cool shadow under the trees where the long ridge / a fold in the skirt of the mountain / runs down to the end of the headland." This imagery combines elements of the natural landscape—the trees, the mountain, and the headland—creating a harmonious, picturesque scene. The metaphor of the ridge as a "fold in the skirt of the mountain" suggests a nurturing, protective quality, as if the mountain cradles the island.

The poem then shifts to a reflection on daily life on the island: "day after day we wake to the island / the light rises through the drops on the leaves / and we remember like birds where we are." These lines convey a sense of routine and familiarity, with each day beginning in the same peaceful manner. The comparison to birds, creatures known for their instinctual sense of place and migration, highlights the innate connection the speaker feels to the island, as if it is a natural and essential part of their existence.

As night falls, the connection deepens: "night after night we touch the dark island / that once we set out for." This repetition of "night after night" mirrors the earlier "day after day," reinforcing the idea of a continuous, unbroken cycle. The mention of setting out for the island in the past suggests a journey or quest that has reached fulfillment, with the island representing a long-sought destination or sanctuary.

The poem culminates in a profound sense of unity and contentment: "and lie still at last with the island in our arms / hearing the leaves and the breathing shore." The imagery of lying still with the island in their arms evokes a sense of intimacy and embrace, as if the island itself is a beloved partner. The sounds of the leaves and the shore's "breathing" emphasize the living, breathing nature of the environment, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all life.

The final lines encapsulate the poem's themes of timelessness and eternal presence: "there are no years any more / only the one mountain / and on all sides the sea that brought us." The assertion that "there are no years any more" suggests that in this place of profound connection, the passage of time becomes irrelevant. The mountain and the sea, symbols of permanence and change, frame the island and the speaker's experience, representing the cyclical nature of life and the enduring bonds that transcend time.

"Anniversary on the Island" by William Stanley Merwin is a meditative and evocative poem that explores themes of time, nature, and the deep connections that define human existence. Through its serene imagery and reflective tone, the poem invites readers to contemplate the beauty of the natural world and the timeless quality of love and companionship. Merwin's masterful use of language creates a vivid, immersive experience, capturing the essence of a place where time stands still and life is lived in harmony with nature.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...