Marking Time
By Owen Sheers
That mark upon your back is finally fading
in the way our memory will,
of that night our lust wouldn’t wait for bed
so laid us out upon the floor instead
where we worked up that scar —
two tattered flags flying from your spine’s mast,
a brand‑burn secret in the small of your back.
I trace them now and feel the disturbance again.
The still waters of your skin broken, the volte engaging
as we make our marks like lovers who carve trees,
the equation of their names equalled by an arrow
that buckles under time but never leaves,
and so though changed, under the bark, the skin,
the loving scar remains.
Exploring “Marking Time”: A Journey Through Love and Memory
Welcome, poetry explorers, to a fascinating journey into Owen Sheers’ evocative poem, “Marking Time.” This piece of literature invites readers to consider the profound ways in which intimate experiences leave indelible marks, not just on our bodies, but on the very fabric of our memories and relationships. It is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of love, passion, and the passage of time, making it a truly resonant work for anyone seeking to understand the deeper connections that bind us. Prepare to uncover the layers of meaning, the masterful use of language, and the emotional depth that make “Marking Time” a truly unforgettable poem.
Understanding “Marking Time”: A Summary and Central Idea
Owen Sheers’ “Marking Time” first appeared in his 2006 collection Skylarks. The poem resonates deeply with readers because it vividly portrays intimacy, memory, and the lasting marks—both physical and emotional—left by passionate encounters. The title itself, “Marking Time,” hints at the poem’s central preoccupation: how time imprints itself upon us and how certain moments leave an enduring legacy.
The Essence of the Poem
The poem delicately recounts a moment of intense desire between two lovers, a connection so immediate it transcends conventional boundaries. Rather than waiting for the privacy of a bed, their passion unfolded on the floor, leaving a physical scar on the beloved’s back. Sheers masterfully shifts focus from the act itself to the lingering trace of that night, illustrating how memory can evoke the feeling of that moment. The poem explores how, even as the physical mark fades, the emotional imprint—the disturbance felt when retracing the scar—persists, illustrating that true connection transcends the physical realm.
The Central Idea: Enduring Marks of Love
The central idea of “Marking Time” is that profound emotional and physical experiences, particularly those born of passionate love, leave indelible marks that persist beyond the immediate moment and even beyond the fading of physical evidence. The scar stands as a testament to the intensity of their love, an indelible reminder that extends beyond time and physical change, making the poem a powerful exploration of love, lust, and memory.
Unpacking Literary Devices in “Marking Time”
Sheers skillfully employs a range of literary devices to enrich the poem’s meaning and create a deeply sensory experience for the reader. These techniques work in harmony to elevate the poem from a simple recounting of an event to a profound meditation on love and memory. Understanding these devices helps unlock the poem’s full power.
Sound Devices: Crafting Musicality and Emphasis
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds adds a musicality and fluidity to the poem, creating a sense of lingering resonance. Consider the repeated long ‘a’ sound in the opening line:
That mark upon your back is finally fading
This repetition subtly draws attention to the fading of the physical mark, mirroring the passage of time and the subtle shifts in memory. It creates a gentle, almost mournful, echo.
- Alliteration: The close repetition of consonant sounds enhances the poem’s rhythmic quality and draws attention to specific phrases. Observe the ‘w’ sound in:
where we worked up that scar
The repetition of the ‘w’ sound is subtle but adds to the feeling of energy and immediacy of the action. Another example is found in:
two tattered flags flying from your spine’s mast
Here, the repeated ‘t’ sound gives a crispness to the description of the scar, making it more vivid.
- Consonance: Similar to alliteration, consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds, occurring within words as well as at the beginning. The repetition of ‘f’ and ‘r’ in the opening line creates a subtle texture:
That mark upon your back is finally fading
This repetition emphasizes the delicate nature of both the physical scar and the memory it evokes, suggesting a gentle erosion over time.
Figurative Language: Painting Pictures and Deepening Meaning
- Imagery: Sheers excels at creating vivid imagery that appeals to the senses, allowing readers to visualize and feel the experience. Phrases like:
two tattered flags flying from your spine’s mast
and
The still waters of your skin broken
conjure strong visual impressions and evoke intimacy. The “flags” image is particularly striking; it transforms the scar into something monumental, a sign of a passionate battle fought and won, or a declaration of shared experience. The “still waters” image suggests a calm, undisturbed surface that has been profoundly altered.
- Metaphor: The poem is rich in metaphorical language, where one thing is directly compared to another without using “like” or “as.” The scar itself is a powerful metaphor for the lasting impact of passionate experience. It is not merely a physical mark but a symbol of the indelible trace left on both bodies and hearts. The comparison of the skin to “still waters” is also a metaphor, suggesting depth, tranquility, and vulnerability, hinting at the emotional landscape beneath the surface.
- Simile: Sheers uses similes to draw direct comparisons, creating vivid and relatable images. The line:
as we make our marks like lovers who carve trees
explicitly compares the lovers’ passionate encounter to carving initials into a tree. This highlights the universal human desire to leave a lasting mark and to immortalize their connection, suggesting a timeless act of love and commitment.
- Symbolism: The poem is steeped in symbolism, where objects or actions represent deeper ideas. The mark on the back symbolizes both the physical trace of passion and the enduring emotional connection between the lovers. It is a private testament to a shared moment. The floor can be interpreted as a symbol of uninhibited desire and a departure from conventional intimacy, a space where they could freely express their lust without restraint. Furthermore, the “arrow” mentioned later in the poem, often associated with Cupid or direction, symbolizes the powerful force of love and its enduring trajectory.
Analyzing Poetic Devices in “Marking Time”
Beyond literary devices, Sheers strategically employs several poetic devices that shape the poem’s unique voice and emotional impact. These devices influence rhythm, tone, and overall meaning, guiding the reader through the emotional landscape of the poem.
Crafting Voice and Structure
- Diction: Sheers’ choice of language is deliberate and precise. He uses a formal yet intimate tone, employing evocative words that convey both tenderness and sensuality. Words such as “tattered,” “volte,” and “disturbance” are carefully chosen for their nuanced meanings, adding layers of complexity. The word “volte,” referencing a sudden turn or change in a dance or fencing, hints at the spontaneous and transformative nature of their encounter, suggesting a graceful yet impactful shift.
- Irregular Rhyme Scheme: The poem does not adhere to a strict, predictable rhyme scheme, which contributes to its natural and conversational tone. This lack of formal structure allows Sheers to focus on conveying emotion and imagery rather than fitting into traditional constraints. The occasional, subtle rhymes or near rhymes that appear feel organic, enhancing the poem’s intimate feel without imposing a rigid rhythm.
- Stanza Structure: The poem is divided into two stanzas, each with a distinct focus, creating a clear progression of thought. The first stanza describes the physical encounter and the resulting scar, establishing the setting and the initial act of passion. It grounds the reader in the immediate, sensory experience. The second stanza then reflects on the enduring power of memory and the lasting impact of love, exploring the emotional consequences of the encounter and how the scar continues to resonate, shifting from the physical act to its lasting emotional echo.
- Tone: The overall tone of “Marking Time” is one of tender nostalgia and quiet intimacy. While the poem acknowledges the physicality of desire, it ultimately celebrates the enduring emotional connection between the lovers. This tone is achieved through careful diction, evocative imagery, and subtle shifts in perspective, inviting the reader into a shared, reflective space rather than a purely descriptive one.
Key Lines and Their Profound Meaning
Certain lines in “Marking Time” stand out for their profound beauty and ability to encapsulate the poem’s central themes. Let us delve into one such powerful passage.
as we make our marks like lovers who carve trees,
the equation of their names equalled by an arrow
that buckles under time but never leaves,
and so though changed, under the bark, the skin,
the loving scar remains.
This passage beautifully encapsulates the poem’s central idea: that even as time passes and physical appearances change, the enduring power of love leaves an indelible mark on our hearts and bodies. The image of carving trees emphasizes the desire for permanence, a timeless act of declaring love. The subsequent image of “the equation of their names equalled by an arrow” symbolizes the union and direction of their love, a powerful bond. The arrow, though it “buckles under time,” signifies that while the physical manifestation or the immediate intensity might soften, the essence of the connection “never leaves.” The concluding phrase, “the loving scar remains,” is particularly poignant. It transforms a potential imperfection or a fading physical trace into a symbol of passion and connection, highlighting how the scar, though fading physically, continues to echo in the emotional fabric of the lovers’ shared experience, a testament to a love that endures.
The Lasting Echo of “Marking Time”
Owen Sheers’ “Marking Time” is a masterclass in exploring the intricate relationship between physical experience, memory, and the enduring nature of love. Through its rich tapestry of literary and poetic devices, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of connection and the subtle yet powerful ways in which moments of passion leave their indelible marks. It reminds us that while time may fade the sharpness of a memory or the clarity of a physical trace, the emotional resonance of profound experiences can remain, a “loving scar” that tells a story of connection, intimacy, and lasting affection. This poem truly stands as a beautiful testament to the power of human connection and the art of poetic expression.