Hinged to forgetfulness like a door,she slowly closed out of sight,and she was the woman I loved,but too many times she slept likea mechanical deer in my caresses,and I ached in the metal silenceof her dreams.
In Richard Brautigan's "Rommel Drives on Deep Into Egypt," the narrator reflects on a relationship marked by emotional distance and unreciprocated affection. He describes a woman he loves, who often seems detached, as though she is merely going through the motions rather than fully engaging with him. Her forgetfulness and distance create a barrier between them, leading him to feel a profound sense of longing. The imagery of her "sleeping like a mechanical deer" evokes a sense of coldness and lifelessness in their intimacy. The narrator's longing is palpable, as he feels trapped in the quiet solitude of her dreams, where he cannot reach her. This highlights the emotional pain he experiences, as he yearns for a deeper connection that remains just out of reach. The stark contrast between his deep feelings and her indifference shapes the essence of their troubled relationship.
