somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond any experience,your eyes have their silence: in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me, or which i cannot touch because they are too near your slightest look easily will unclose me though i have closed myself as fingers, you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens touching skillfully,mysteriously,her first rose or if your wish be to close me,i and my life will shut very beautifully,suddenly, as when the heart of this flower imagines the snow carefully everywhere descending; nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals the power of your intense fragility:whose texture compels me with the colour of its countries, rendering death and forever with each breathing (i do not know what it is about you that closes and opens:only something in me understands the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses )nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands - Languages - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 2

The poem 'somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond' by E.E. Cummings delves into the complexities of love, using rich imagery, thoughtful punctuation, and varied tone to enhance the experience of emotions.

Imagery

Cummings begins by comparing love to a journey into unfamiliar territories. This metaphor portrays love as an adventure filled with infinite possibilities, akin to exploring unknown 'countries'. The speaker is captivated by his beloved's 'fragile gesture' and 'slightest look', both evoking deep emotional responses. The imagery of flowers is prevalent; for example, the transformation of the beloved’s eyes is compared to the opening of petals in spring, suggesting a blossoming relationship. This suggests vulnerability and openness that attracts the speaker while simultaneously representing his own hesitance in fully engaging.

Punctuation

Cummings employs unconventional punctuation to create a unique rhythm and flow in the poem. The use of commas illustrates pauses that reflect the speaker's introspective nature. For instance, the line 'i do not know what it is about you that closes and opens' showcases the internal struggles of the speaker, emphasizing uncertainty and curiosity about love. This strategic use of punctuation not only sets the tone but also mirrors the complicated feelings that love evokes.

Tone

The tone throughout the poem shifts from awe to bewilderment. In lines like 'my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly', there's a sense of wonderment at the overwhelming nature of love, yet also a fear of vulnerability. The speaker’s admission of feeling 'intense fragility' reinforces this as well, suggesting that while love powerful, it can also expose one's weaknesses.

In conclusion, Cummings successfully explores the enigmatic nature of love through vivid imagery, strategic punctuation, and an intricate tone that captures both the beauty and complexity of emotional intimacy.