“The Conditional”
Ada Limón, 1976 https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/conditional “The Conditional” by Ada Limón, is a deep, dramatic poem about a one true love. She knows that if the world was no more, the time she had with her love was enough. This poem has a unique contrast between what is and isn’t everlasting. She uses comparisons such as, “Say the moon becomes an icy pit” to show that things may go wrong be she wouldn’t change a thing. Limón imagines the world is falling apart and the time she can spend with her love is dwindling. She wants him to say he would spend his last moments with her, watching the world crumble away. The title of this poem “The Conditional”, embodies the true meaning of her wishes. It is significant because no matter what she wants conditional love. The title is also ironic because the poet is talking about many things that aren’t conditional or everlasting. She uses unconditional things to contrast with the one true undying, unending theme: love. From the beginning of the poem repetition is used. She starts almost every line with “Say..”. I believe the repetition is what makes this poem so powerful. It reinforces the idea of agreeing with the poet in that difficult things may happen but their love still stands. This poem gives me an odd sense of hope. As a child of divorce, I haven’t really known love to be unconditional. From my earliest memory, love was never enough. Limón's words show me that, with the right person, love doesn’t have to end. It’s very peculiar to learn that even though situations may become difficult or the world may start falling apart, love withholds. I thought this poem was very well written. I loved how the poet made the poem personal by including details from her own relationship while also allowing others to relate to her feelings. The poem makes you take a look into your life and although it’s meant to question her love, it makes you question the loves in your life, romantic relationships or family.
7 Comments
McKayla
10/6/2016 08:27:35 am
After reading a few different analysis today, I have to say that your poem and analysis is my favorite by far. I was happy to read that you took things like the repitition and irony into consideration when looking for meaning. I was also glad to see that you could find personal hopefulness in the poem. Thanks for the nice read!
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cami
10/7/2016 04:53:38 am
From the first line, you can tell this poem is going to contain some contrasting ideas on the conditional vs. the unconditional parts of our lives. Your interpretation on these themes comes from an interesting place. You give an interesting view as someone who has seen that "love was never enough". I enjoyed trying to understand some of the lines in this poem like, "raccoon's a hot tar stain" and "owl's eyes are pinpricks". Some of the imagery in this poem is a little unsettling (roadkill and being watched?) but it adds an interesting tone to a poem that creates a lot of build up to a unconditional end.
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Lauren
10/7/2016 07:16:42 am
It was very interesting how you started off with the main purpose of the poem and then dissected the individual metaphors and literary techniques the author uses. I also like how you included your own personal reflection of the poem and how it affected you emotionally. It was also interesting that you included the aspects of the poem that you enjoyed or thought was intriguing.
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Jacob
10/9/2016 05:23:30 pm
I enjoyed the structure of your analysis. It was refreshing how you started with the broad purpose of "The Conditional," and then broke down the metaphors and significant moments. What I took away most was your careful attention to detail, like when you analyzed the title. It is impressive that you found irony in a title so simple. Great job, I can't wait to read your next poem analysis.
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Sierra
10/10/2016 05:21:30 am
I really enjoyed the poem and your analysis. The author's diction in the poem conveys her hidden, inner emotions. I like how you discussed the meaning of the title, 'Conditional', to show the contrast between unconditional and conditional love.
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Kylie
10/10/2016 07:48:44 am
Alyssa,
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Batu
1/6/2019 11:00:38 am
Your analysis help me to understand the poem so much. Thank you. Great job!
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