Conversation With the SoulThe soul said, Give me something to look at.So I gave her a farm. She said,It's too large. So I gave her a field.The two of us sat down.Sometimes I would fall in love with a lakeOr a pinecone. But I liked herMost. She knew it.Keep writing, she said.So I did. Each time the new snow fell,We would be married again.The holy dead sat down by our bed.This went on for years.This field is getting too small, she said.Don't you know anyone elseTo fall in love with?What would you have said to Her?
In the poem "Conversation With the Soul" by Robert Bly, the speaker interacts with their soul, which desires new experiences and beauty to observe. Initially, the speaker offers a farm and then a field, but the soul finds them too expansive. Instead, the speaker treasures smaller moments and objects, such as a lake or a pinecone, ultimately valuing the soul's presence the most. This exchange highlights a deep connection between the speaker and their inner self, emphasizing the importance of creativity and inspiration in their relationship.
As time goes on, the soul expresses a yearning for broader horizons, asking if the speaker knows others to love. This shift suggests a desire for exploration and connection beyond the intimate bond they share. The poem encapsulates the cycle of love and inspiration, illustrated through the recurring winter scenes that renew their commitment. It invites contemplation on the nature of love, companionship, and the ever-expanding dimensions of the soul's desires.
