'Whenever I Go There' by W.S. Merwin
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Whenever I go there everything is changed
The stamps on the bandages the titles
Of the professors of water
The portrait of Glare the reasons for
The white mourning
In new rocks new insects are sitting
With the lights off
And once more I remember that the beginning
Is broken
No wonder the addresses are torn
To which I make my way eating the silence of animals
Offering snow to the darkness
Today belongs to few and tomorrow to no one
Editor 1 Interpretation
Whenever I Go There: A Deep Dive into W.S. Merwin's Poem
Wow, I am so excited to dive into this classic poem by W.S. Merwin – "Whenever I Go There". This poem is one of those timeless pieces that you can revisit again and again, and each time you get something new out of it. It's a beautiful and haunting poem that captures the essence of loss and grief in a way that is both poetic and relatable.
The Poem
First, let's take a look at the poem itself:
Whenever I go there everything is changed
The stamps on the bandages the titles
Of the professors of water
The portrait on the wall
Of a timeless queen
Months ago her last look
Of recognition drowned
In the forge-mouth
But let me think of the eagle
Somewhere above the clouds
Watching over me
With his dead milky eye
That sees everything
Everywhere
Whenever I go there
Right off the bat, we can see that Merwin has a unique way of phrasing things. He uses words and phrases that are unexpected, but somehow still make sense in the context of the poem. The first line, "Whenever I go there everything is changed", sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It's a line that speaks to the fleeting nature of life and how nothing stays the same, no matter how much we might want it to.
The next few lines mention "stamps on the bandages" and "professors of water", which are both unusual images that conjure up a sense of mystery and intrigue. Who are these professors of water, and what do they teach? Why are there stamps on bandages, and what do they signify?
The portrait of a "timeless queen" is a poignant image that suggests the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The fact that her last look of recognition was "drowned in the forge-mouth" is a metaphor that hints at the harshness of life and the way that memories can fade and be forgotten.
But then there's the eagle. The eagle is a symbol of strength and power, and it's interesting that Merwin chooses to focus on this bird in the midst of all this talk of loss and change. The eagle's "dead milky eye" is a stark image that suggests the eagle has seen a lot in its lifetime – perhaps even more than the speaker of the poem.
And then there's the final line, "Whenever I go there". This line brings the poem full circle, suggesting that the speaker is returning to a place that is dear to them, but that has also changed and evolved in their absence.
Interpretation
So, what does it all mean? As with any good poem, there are multiple interpretations that can be gleaned from "Whenever I Go There". Here are a few that I think are particularly compelling:
The Passage of Time
One of the most obvious themes of the poem is the passage of time. The speaker returns to a place that they once knew, only to find that everything has changed. The portrait of the queen that once hung on the wall is now just a memory, and even the stamps on the bandages have been updated.
This idea of change and impermanence is something that we can all relate to. We've all returned to a place that we once knew, only to find that it's not the same anymore. Perhaps it's a childhood home that's been remodeled or a favorite hangout spot that's closed down.
The eagle, with its "dead milky eye", is a symbol of the passage of time as well. Eagles are known for their longevity, and the fact that this one has seen so much suggests that time has been marching on for a long, long time.
Loss and Grief
Another theme that comes through in the poem is loss and grief. The speaker mentions the portrait of the queen, which is now just a memory, and the fact that her last look of recognition has been drowned out. This suggests that someone close to the speaker has died, and they are returning to the place where they once lived to confront their grief.
The eagle could also be seen as a symbol of loss, in the sense that it has lost its sight. The dead milky eye suggests that the eagle has experienced some kind of trauma, and it's possible that this trauma is what has caused the speaker to return to their old home.
Nostalgia
Finally, there's the idea of nostalgia. The fact that the speaker keeps returning to this place suggests that there is something about it that is familiar and comforting to them, even though they know that things have changed.
This is something that we can all relate to as well. We all have those places from our past that we like to revisit, even though we know they won't be the same as we remember them. There's a comfort in the familiarity of these places, and a sense of longing for a time when things were simpler.
Conclusion
"Whenever I Go There" is a beautiful and haunting poem that captures the essence of loss and grief in a way that is both poetic and relatable. Merwin's use of unusual imagery and phrasing creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, while the themes of time, loss, and nostalgia resonate with readers on a deep level.
This is a poem that rewards multiple readings and interpretations, and it's one that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. If you haven't read "Whenever I Go There" before, I highly recommend giving it a read – you won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Whenever I Go There: A Poem of Reflection and Connection
W.S. Merwin's poem "Whenever I Go There" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the power of nature to connect us to ourselves and to the world around us. Through vivid imagery and a lyrical style, Merwin invites us to join him on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation, as he explores the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Whenever I go there, everything is changed." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the speaker is about to embark on a journey of transformation and discovery. The "there" in question is not specified, but it could be any place in nature that holds special meaning for the speaker.
As the poem unfolds, we are treated to a series of vivid and evocative images that capture the beauty and power of the natural world. We see "the light on the water" and "the shadows on the shore," and we hear "the wind in the trees" and "the sound of the birds." These images are not just descriptive, however; they also convey a sense of wonder and awe at the majesty of nature.
One of the most striking things about this poem is the way in which Merwin uses language to create a sense of connection between the speaker and the natural world. He speaks of "the silence that is in the starry sky" and "the silence that is in the mountain air," suggesting that there is a deep and profound connection between the speaker and the world around him. This connection is not just physical, but spiritual as well, as the speaker seems to be reaching out to something greater than himself.
The poem also touches on themes of mortality and impermanence, as the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. He speaks of "the leaves that fall" and "the waves that break," reminding us that nothing in nature is permanent or unchanging. Yet even in the face of this impermanence, the speaker finds solace and comfort in the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes towards the end, when the speaker declares that "I am not alone in myself." This statement is both simple and profound, suggesting that the speaker has found a sense of connection and belonging in the natural world. He is not just a solitary individual, but a part of something larger and more meaningful.
Overall, "Whenever I Go There" is a beautiful and moving poem that speaks to the power of nature to connect us to ourselves and to the world around us. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical style, it invites us to join the speaker on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation, as we explore the beauty and mystery of the natural world. Whether we are standing on the shore of a lake, walking through a forest, or simply gazing up at the stars, this poem reminds us that we are never truly alone, and that there is always something greater and more meaningful to connect us to the world around us.
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