Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

George Oppen's poem "Of This All Things" is a reflective and intimate exploration of love, companionship, and the profound impact that a significant relationship can have on one's perception of the world. Through his precise and understated language, Oppen meditates on the way in which living with a loved one, particularly a "beautiful woman," transforms not only the inner life but also the external environment—the very "aspect of things" that shapes our experience of reality.

The poem opens with a contemplation of "the feminine aspects," suggesting that these elements are integral to the way life is experienced and perceived. Oppen's reference to "the mode in which one lives" implies that the presence of the feminine influences the quality of life itself, shaping the way one interacts with the world. The phrase "as tho the color of the air / Indoors / And not indoors / Only—" evokes a sense of pervasive influence, as if the presence of the feminine colors not just the physical space within a home but extends beyond, affecting the atmosphere of life as a whole. This blurring of boundaries between indoors and outdoors suggests that the impact of this presence is not confined to a specific location but permeates all aspects of existence.

Oppen then shifts focus to a personal reflection: "What distinction / I have is that I have lived / My adult life / With a beautiful woman." Here, the speaker acknowledges the unique significance of his relationship, framing it as a defining feature of his life. The word "distinction" suggests that this relationship is a source of pride and honor, something that sets his life apart from others. The beauty of the woman, however, is not just physical; it is implied that her presence has had a deep and transformative effect on the speaker's life.

The poem's imagery becomes more tender and specific as Oppen describes moments of quiet intimacy: "I have turned on the light / Sometimes, to see her / Sleeping." This act of turning on the light to observe his partner in her most vulnerable state—sleeping—captures a moment of deep connection and affection. The simplicity of this image underscores the profound love and care the speaker feels, as well as the sense of wonder that her presence continues to evoke.

Oppen then recalls an image from the past: "The girl who walked / Indian style-straight-toed— / With her blond hair / Thru the forests / Of Oregon." This description of the woman in her youth, walking confidently and naturally through the forests, evokes a sense of freedom, vitality, and connection to nature. The specific detail of walking "Indian style-straight-toed" suggests a groundedness and an intuitive alignment with the earth, qualities that the speaker admires and remembers with fondness. The forests of Oregon, a wild and untamed landscape, serve as a backdrop to this memory, further emphasizing the natural beauty and strength of the woman.

The poem then asserts that this woman "has changed the aspect / Of things, everything is pierced / By her presence." This line captures the transformative power of the relationship, suggesting that her presence has fundamentally altered the speaker's perception of the world. The word "pierced" conveys a sense of deep, penetrating influence, as if her presence has cut through the superficial layers of reality to reveal something more profound and true. This transformation is not just a matter of comfort or companionship but is tied to a shared pursuit of "vision"—a deeper understanding or insight into life.

Oppen acknowledges the challenges and "terrors" that have accompanied this pursuit: "tho we have wanted / Not comforts / But vision / Whatever terrors / May have made us / Companion / To the earth." The choice of vision over comfort suggests that the relationship is grounded in a shared commitment to seeking truth, even if that truth is difficult or unsettling. The "terrors" mentioned here likely refer to the existential fears and challenges that are part of the human condition, fears that have brought the couple closer to the earth, to the raw and unvarnished realities of life.

The repetition of "whatever terrors—" at the end of the poem leaves the reader with an open-ended reflection on the nature of love, companionship, and the human experience. It suggests that despite the uncertainties and difficulties that life presents, the relationship has provided a sense of grounding and connection to something larger than the self. The presence of the woman has not only shaped the speaker's life but has also given him a lens through which to engage with the world more fully and honestly.

"Of This All Things" by George Oppen is a deeply personal and contemplative poem that explores the profound impact of love and companionship on one's life and perception. Through the lens of his relationship with a "beautiful woman," Oppen reflects on the ways in which love can transform the mundane into the meaningful, piercing through the surface of reality to reveal deeper truths. The poem is a celebration of the intimate moments and shared visions that define a life, reminding us of the enduring power of human connection in the face of life's uncertainties and challenges.

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