'Variation On The Word Sleep' by Margaret Atwood

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I would like to watch you sleeping,
which may not happen.
I would like to watch you,
sleeping. I would like to sleep
with you, to enter
your sleep as its smooth dark wave
slides over my head

and walk with you through that lucent
wavering forest of bluegreen leaves
with its watery sun & three moons
towards the cave where you must descend,
towards your worst fear

I would like to give you the silver
branch, the small white flower, the one
word that will protect you
from the grief at the center
of your dream, from the grief
at the center I would like to follow
you up the long stairway
again & become
the boat that would row you back
carefully, a flame
in two cupped hands
to where your body lies
beside me, and as you enter
it as easily as breathing in

I would like to be the air
that inhabits you for a moment
only. I would like to be that unnoticed
& that necessary.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Variation On The Word Sleep by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood's Variation On The Word Sleep is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the different meanings and nuances of the word "sleep". Atwood's mastery of language and imagery creates a dreamlike atmosphere that draws the reader into the poem's haunting and surreal landscape.

The Power of Language

Atwood's poem is a masterclass in the power of language. She shows how a single word, "sleep", can have multiple meanings and connotations depending on the context in which it is used. At the beginning of the poem, Atwood writes:

I would like to watch you sleeping,
which may not happen.
I would like to watch you,
sleeping. I would like to sleep
with you, to enter
your sleep as its smooth dark wave
slides over my head

Here, Atwood uses the word "sleep" to evoke a sense of intimacy and closeness between two people. The act of sleeping together becomes a metaphor for a deeper emotional connection. Atwood's use of repetition and her careful arrangement of words creates a hypnotic rhythm that lulls the reader into a trance-like state.

The Contrast between Light and Dark

Atwood's poem is full of contrasts between light and dark, day and night, wakefulness and sleep. These contrasts create a sense of tension and unease that runs throughout the poem. Atwood writes:

I would like to be the air
that inhabits you for a moment
only. I would like to be that unnoticed
& that necessary.

Here, Atwood uses the word "unnoticed" to suggest a sense of vulnerability and fragility. The idea of being "necessary" but "unnoticed" creates a tension between the desire for connection and the fear of being alone.

The Surreal Landscape

Atwood's poem is set in a surreal landscape that seems to exist outside of time and space. The imagery in the poem is dreamlike and otherworldly. Atwood writes:

I would like to be the ache
in your heart,
the spike in your veins,
the electricity on your skin
that sleeps,
then quickens with your dream

Here, Atwood uses vivid and sensory language to describe the physical sensations of sleep. The idea of electricity on the skin and the quickening of the dream creates a sense of energy and intensity that is both exhilarating and terrifying.

The Search for Connection

At its heart, Atwood's poem is a meditation on the human desire for connection. The act of sleeping together becomes a metaphor for a deeper emotional connection. Atwood writes:

I would like to be the name
on your lips,
the air that surrounds you,
the silence that marks
the end of your night.

Here, Atwood uses the word "silence" to suggest a sense of finality and closure. The poem ends on a note of resignation and acceptance, as the speaker acknowledges the limitations of human connection.

Conclusion

Margaret Atwood's Variation On The Word Sleep is a haunting and evocative poem that explores the different meanings and nuances of the word "sleep". Atwood's mastery of language and imagery creates a dreamlike atmosphere that draws the reader into the poem's surreal landscape. The poem's contrasts between light and dark, day and night, wakefulness and sleep create a sense of tension and unease that runs throughout the poem. Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the human desire for connection and the limitations of that connection.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Variation On The Word Sleep: A Poem That Explores The Complexities Of Love And Loss

Margaret Atwood's Variation On The Word Sleep is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the complexities of love and loss. The poem is a meditation on the power of sleep and its ability to transport us to a world beyond our waking reality. At the same time, it is also a reflection on the pain of separation and the longing for connection that we all experience as human beings.

The poem begins with a simple declaration: "I would like to watch you sleeping." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The speaker of the poem is expressing a desire to be close to someone they love, to witness their most vulnerable moments and to be a part of their inner world.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's desire becomes more intense. They long to "hear you breathe" and to "see the curve of your breast / and the rise of your belly." These lines are sensual and erotic, but they are also deeply emotional. The speaker is not just interested in physical pleasure; they want to connect with their loved one on a deeper level, to be a part of their innermost thoughts and feelings.

The poem takes a darker turn as the speaker acknowledges the pain of separation. They describe the feeling of "aching" and "hunger" that comes from being apart from someone they love. This is a universal experience that anyone who has ever been in love can relate to. The speaker's words capture the intensity of this feeling, the way it can consume us and leave us feeling empty and alone.

Despite the pain of separation, the speaker remains hopeful. They believe that sleep can bring them closer to their loved one, that it can bridge the distance between them. They describe sleep as a "magic" that can transport them to a world where they are together, where they can "touch each other's minds." This is a beautiful and romantic idea, one that speaks to the power of love to transcend physical boundaries.

The poem ends with a sense of ambiguity. The speaker acknowledges that sleep is not a perfect solution, that it cannot completely erase the pain of separation. They describe the feeling of waking up alone, of "finding / the same thing happened to you." This is a poignant moment, one that captures the bittersweet nature of love. Even when we are with the people we love, there is always a sense of loss, a recognition that nothing lasts forever.

In conclusion, Margaret Atwood's Variation On The Word Sleep is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of love and loss. The poem is characterized by a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, as the speaker expresses their desire to be close to someone they love. At the same time, the poem acknowledges the pain of separation and the longing for connection that we all experience as human beings. Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the power of love to transcend physical boundaries, and the way that sleep can bring us closer to the people we love.

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