Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "What They Said" is a contemplative exploration of love, mortality, and the essence of human connection beyond physical existence. The poem is concise yet profound, using the metaphor of death to delve into the nature of love and the transformation of identity and desire.

The poem opens with a striking declaration: "After I am dead, darling, / my seventeen senses gone, / I shall love you as you wish, / no sex, no mouth, but bone—" This opening immediately sets a tone of finality and starkness. The speaker addresses a loved one with an intimate "darling," juxtaposing affection with the harsh reality of death. The reference to "seventeen senses" suggests a heightened, almost supernatural awareness, which will be lost after death. The speaker promises a love devoid of physicality, reducing their existence to "bone." This image conveys a love stripped to its barest essence, free from the physical desires and needs that define living relationships.

The next lines, "in the way you long for now, / with my soul alone," emphasize the purity and transcendence of this posthumous love. The speaker acknowledges the loved one's current longing for a spiritual connection, one that transcends the limitations of the body. The phrase "with my soul alone" suggests a union of spirits, an ethereal bond that surpasses earthly constraints.

The poem then shifts to a more philosophical contemplation: ": When we are neither woman nor man / but bleached to skeleton—" This line introduces a universal perspective, implying that death renders all human distinctions irrelevant. Gender and physical identity dissolve, leaving behind only the skeletal remains. The imagery of being "bleached to skeleton" evokes a sense of purity and universality, where individual differences no longer matter.

The final lines bring a poignant twist to the contemplation: "when you have changed, my darling, / and all your senses gone, / it is not me that you will love: / you will love everyone." Here, the speaker projects a future where the loved one has also undergone the same transformation. With all senses gone, the ability to perceive and differentiate between individuals is lost. The speaker suggests that in this state of pure being, love becomes universal. The loved one's affection will no longer be directed at the individual speaker but will encompass everyone, highlighting a shift from personal to universal love.

"What They Said" poignantly reflects on the nature of love and identity beyond the confines of the physical world. Rukeyser's use of stark and evocative imagery—bones, skeletons, and the dissolution of gender—forces the reader to confront the essence of existence and connection. The poem suggests that true love, in its purest form, transcends the individual and becomes an all-encompassing force, unbound by physical limitations and distinctions.

Through its concise structure and profound thematic exploration, "What They Said" invites readers to reflect on the transient nature of life and the enduring power of love. Rukeyser's meditation on death and the transformation of identity offers a deep and moving contemplation on how we connect with others, both in life and beyond. The poem ultimately suggests that in the face of mortality, love becomes a universal, unifying force, embracing all of humanity.

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