We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

The Waking Steaminess Rating

Exactly how steamy is this poem?

G

Even though this speaker can’t seem to get enough of his waking sleep, or sleeping wakefulness, and even though there’s an emphasis on feeling, there’s nothing “going on” where this speaker has to go. When he asks, “Of those so close beside me, which are you?” (7), you might think he’s sidling up for some action, but no go. The only union seems to be between the speaker and God or Nature.