I Carry Your Heart with Me (i carry it in)
by E. E. Cummings
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)and i’m you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root
and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life)and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
Understanding “I Carry Your Heart with Me”
The poem explores the all-encompassing nature of true love. It is a love that transcends physical presence and becomes an intrinsic part of one’s being. The speaker declares devotion, finding their world, fate, and very essence interwoven with the beloved. Its enduring popularity comes from its relatable message and beautiful expression of a universal emotion.
What is “I Carry Your Heart with Me” About?
At its core, the poem is a testament to an inseparable connection. The speaker literally and figuratively carries the heart of their beloved, signifying that love is constant, unwavering, and a source of strength and identity. It’s a love that defines the speaker’s existence, colors their perception of the world, and makes them feel complete.
Central Idea
The central idea of the poem revolves around a love so complete that it transcends individuality. The speaker doesn’t just love their beloved; they are the beloved, sharing a unified existence where every action, thought, and feeling is a shared experience. This poem beautifully illustrates that true love is not about losing oneself, but about finding completeness through another.
In-Depth Analysis of the Poem
Stanza 1
The opening stanza invites the reader into a personal, intimate space. The parenthetical phrase “i carry it in / my heart” underscores the literal and metaphorical blending of two hearts.
Stanza 2
The second stanza deepens the all‑encompassing nature of the love. It emphasizes the belief that the beloved’s fate and world are the speaker’s own. The line “and i’m you” further highlights the complete merging of the two hearts.
Stanza 3
The third stanza shifts to a more metaphorical level. The nested images—“here is the root of the root,” “the bud of the bud,” and “the sky of the sky of a tree called life”—suggest that love is the foundational element that supports and sustains all aspects of existence.
Stanza 4
The poem concludes with the repetition of its opening lines, reinforcing the theme of enduring unity and mutual existence.
Literary and Poetic Devices
- Parenthetical structure: The frequent use of parentheses creates a sense of intimacy and emphasizes the private nature of the emotions.
- Minimalist punctuation: The poem’s sparse punctuation invites the reader to focus on the emotional content rather than grammatical constraints.
- Paradoxical phrasing: “i am never without it” and “i’m you” illustrate how the speaker feels simultaneously separate and inseparable from the beloved.
- Imagery: The layered images of roots, buds, and skies evoke the growth and interconnectedness of love.
Quotes for Sharing
“i carry your heart with me (i carry it in / my heart)”
“here is the deepest secret nobody knows”
“and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart”
Conclusion
In conclusion, “i carry your heart with me” is a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the power of love in its purest form. Its simple yet profound message, combined with Cummings’s innovative style, continues to resonate with readers today, making it a beloved poem for generations to come.