Relationship Summary

The poem “Relationship” describes a (back) complex emotional journey. It depicts a disregard that’s been built, symbolized by a citadel, (a castle on high ground in or near a city where people could go when the city was being attacked) covered in snow that turns into smoke, signifying a transient (lasting or continuing for a short period of time) and insubstantial (not large, solid or strong) nature. The persona’s feelings are guarded, with a silent sentry (a soldier who stands outside a building and guards it) wearing searching eyes, indicating vigilance. ("Vigilant" means being carefully observant or attentive, especially when on the lookout for possible danger or trouble)

The presence of another person is felt deeply, every breath affecting their very essence (the basic or most important quality of something) as they follow the path dictated by the other person. Despite (without being affected by the thing mentioned) this, there’s a sense of fragility (the quality of being easily broken or damaged.) as they navigate through it, each step compared to a rose with warm, raw vessels. ("Raw vessels" typically refers to ships or boats that are in their unprocessed or unrefined state,)

 

The poem also portrays a moment of joy and spontaneity, with laughter tumbling (to fall down suddenly but without serious injury) down an unknown slope. Yet, the persona’s awakening to reality leads to confusion, and they cry out “friendship” – possibly as a coping mechanism to rationalize their feelings.

 

 The poem takes a turn as it addresses someone who interferes, represented by “Soundless rage,” disrupting the persona’s guarded emotional state. The sentry’s pacing stops suddenly, and the poem touches on themes of concealment (“purdah”) and focused intent (“businesslike stride”). The persona, symbolized as “sandalwood enveloping you,” is deeply intertwined with the other person’s presence.

 

The poem closes with a sense of probing and questioning, as these features “cling, dig, slash” through the persona’s emotional landscape like moonlight that has been lost. The persona is left grappling (to get hold of somebody/something and fight with or try to control him/her/it

) with the question of what exactly is transpiring (to become known; to be shown to be true

) between them and the other person.

  

The poem navigates through layers of emotions, guardedness, (state of being protected) and uncertainty, (doubt) while exploring the complexities of a relationship that remains enigmatic (mysterious) and profound.( very great; that you feel very strongly

)