In Margaret Atwood's "Selected Poems II: 1976 - 1986," the poem explores the internal conflict of desire and aversion. The speaker grapples with the tensions of wanting and not wanting, reflecting on the complexities of human emotions. This duality creates a sense of turmoil, as the heart struggles to reconcile conflicting feelings. Atwood's poignant question, "How can one live with such a heart?" encapsulates the essence of navigating profound emotional experiences. The juxtaposition of wanting and resisting illustrates the intricacies of love, longing, and the challenges of emotional authenticity. This tension serves as a reminder of the layered nature of human existence, inviting readers to contemplate their own struggles with desire.

In Margaret Atwood's "Selected Poems II: 1976 - 1986," the poem explores the internal conflict of desire and aversion. The speaker grapples with the tensions of wanting and not wanting, reflecting on the complexities of human emotions. This duality creates a sense of turmoil, as the heart struggles to reconcile conflicting feelings.

Atwood's poignant question, "How can one live with such a heart?" encapsulates the essence of navigating profound emotional experiences. The juxtaposition of wanting and resisting illustrates the intricacies of love, longing, and the challenges of emotional authenticity. This tension serves as a reminder of the layered nature of human existence, inviting readers to contemplate their own struggles with desire.