The Waking
By Gilbert Parker
To be young is to dream, and I dreamed no more;
I had smothered my heart as the fighter can:
I toiled, and I looked not behind or before —
I was stone; but I waked with the heart of a man.
By the soul at her lips, by the light of her eyes,
I dreamed a new dream as the sleeper can,
That the heavenly folly of youth was wise —
I was stone; but I waked with the heart of a man.
She came like a song, she will go like a star:
I shall tread the hills as the hunter can,
Mine eyes to the hunt, and my soul afar —
I was stone; but I waked with the heart of a man.
Poem Analysis:
Gilbert Parker's poem "The Waking" is a poignant exploration of personal transformation, self-discovery, and the awakening of the human spirit. Through its evocative language and introspective tone, the poem traces the journey from youthful dreams to mature self-awareness, capturing the essence of human experience and the passage from naivety to wisdom. Let's delve deeper into the poem's themes, imagery, and underlying messages.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
The poem opens with a reflection on the nature of youth, characterized by dreams and aspirations. The speaker describes a period of stagnation, where they felt like "stone," devoid of emotion or vitality. This state of emotional numbness represents a lack of self-awareness and a disconnection from the deeper truths of existence. However, the speaker experiences a profound awakening, symbolized by the transition from being "stone" to having "the heart of a man." This awakening marks a pivotal moment of self-discovery and personal growth, where the speaker emerges from the confines of their former self and embraces a newfound sense of purpose and vitality.
The Power of Love and Inspiration
Central to the speaker's awakening is the transformative power of love and inspiration. The speaker describes being stirred by the presence of another, symbolized by "the soul at her lips" and "the light of her eyes." This encounter sparks a "new dream" within the speaker, igniting a sense of wonder and possibility that had been dormant within them. The image of the speaker dreaming "a new dream" suggests a reawakening of creativity and imagination, as well as a deeper appreciation for the fleeting beauty of life.
Embracing Life's Transience
Despite the fleeting nature of love and inspiration, the speaker embraces the impermanence of their experience. They acknowledge that the object of their affection "will go like a star," suggesting the transient nature of human relationships and the inevitability of change. However, rather than lamenting this transience, the speaker adopts a stoic attitude, likening themselves to a hunter ready to embark on the journey ahead. This metaphor underscores the speaker's newfound sense of agency and determination, as they prepare to navigate life's challenges with clarity and purpose.
"The Waking" by Gilbert Parker is a reflective and introspective poem that explores the themes of personal transformation, self-discovery, and the transient nature of human experience. Through its evocative language and imagery, the poem captures the essence of the human journey, from youthful dreams to mature self-awareness. Parker's exploration of these themes resonates with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of growth and awakening. Ultimately, "The Waking" serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love, inspiration, and self-reflection in navigating the complexities of life and embracing the fullness of human existence.
