here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart{i carry it in my heart} Edward Estlin Cummings
E.E. Cummings masterfully weaves together cosmic imagery and intimate emotion in this evocative passage, blending the natural world with the profound depths of human connection. The metaphor of "the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life" invites us to contemplate the foundational essence and vast potential of life itself—a tree that transcends ordinary experience, reaching beyond what the soul can hope for or the mind can conceal. This sense of boundless growth and wonder is a testament to the interconnectedness of all existence.
What stands out most is the intimately tender declaration, "i carry your heart {i carry it in my heart}," which encapsulates deep love and unity. The heart metaphor highlights the internalization of the beloved's essence—carrying a person's heart is more than just caring for them; it implies a profound, inseparable bond that exists beyond physical presence, time, and space. The closing imagery, where "this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart," suggests that this love or connection is a cosmic force, integral to the very fabric of the universe.
Reading this gives a powerful reminder of love's ineffable and life-affirming strength. It challenges our notions of limitations, illustrating how emotional bonds can expand our identity and experience, anchoring us in something larger than ourselves. Cummings’ unique style—with his disregard for conventional punctuation and capitalization—enhances the lyrical, spontaneous feel of the poem, making the words flow like an emotional current.
Ultimately, this passage from E.E. Cummings’ "i carry your heart" celebrates love as an essential, unifying force—a root and bud that nourishes life’s grandeur and mystery, elevating the soul and the cosmos alike.