Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's "Afterwards" is a poetic exploration of dreams, memory, and the interconnectedness of human experience. Through rich imagery and evocative symbolism, the poem delves into themes of transformation, unity, and the enduring presence of life even in the face of death.

The poem begins with a striking metaphor: "We are the antlers of that white animal / That great white animal / Asleep under the sea." This image of a majestic, slumbering creature beneath the sea sets a tone of mystery and depth. The antlers, traditionally symbols of strength and renewal, are here personified, suggesting a connection between the animal and the human experience. The great white animal represents a collective unconscious or a mythic force that dreams and forgets its own existence in the darkness of the ocean.

The next lines, "His antlers have legs and arms. Our heads / together being joined / Journey tonight, dreamed in his ocean," suggest a merging of identities and a shared dream journey. The antlers, now with human attributes, symbolize the interconnectedness of all beings. The collective dream indicates a deep, subconscious unity that transcends individual experiences.

Rukeyser then shifts the focus to the aftermath of this dream journey: "Where we lie afterwards, smoke of our dreams / Goes coiling up, a plant in the dark room." The imagery of smoke and a plant in a dark room conveys a sense of transformation and the lingering impact of dreams on waking life. The coiling smoke suggests that dreams are ephemeral yet pervasive, shaping our reality even after they have ended.

The poem then moves into personal memories: "You were a young boy, you sang in the Polish woods / Limping away away. I in this city, held / In a dream of children." These lines juxtapose the rural and urban settings, connecting personal histories and collective memories. The reference to the Polish woods evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, perhaps hinting at historical traumas. The dream of children suggests innocence and potential, held in the protective embrace of the speaker.

The climax of the poem comes with the emergence of the mythic animal: "Some mythic animal / Rises now, flies up, white from the sea-floor." This rising creature symbolizes a resurgence of primal energy and life force from the depths of the unconscious. The whiteness of the animal contrasts with the sea-black, representing purity and transcendence.

The final lines, "In all our death, the glow behind his eyes / Speaks under all knowing: our lives burn," offer a profound reflection on life and death. The glow behind the animal's eyes signifies an eternal spark of life and consciousness that persists beyond physical existence. This glow "speaks under all knowing," suggesting a deep, intuitive understanding that transcends rational thought. The phrase "our lives burn" encapsulates the intensity and passion of human existence, highlighting the enduring impact of our lives and dreams.

"Afterwards" is a beautifully crafted poem that weaves together personal and mythic elements to explore the interconnectedness of life, dreams, and memory. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Rukeyser invites readers to contemplate the deep, subconscious forces that shape our experiences and the enduring presence of life even in the face of death. The poem serves as a meditation on the unity of all beings and the transformative power of dreams and memory.

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