Companionship and Love in "Comrade" by Dorothy Livesay

Comrade is a poem by Dorothy Livesay that highlights the theme of companionship as a fundamental element of mature love. In the Oxford's Dictionary, comrade is defined as a "workmate, friend, or companion." Comrade has close associations for Dorothy Livesay. "Comrade" is a communist form of address used between members of the Communist party in the first half of the 20^th century.

Livesay was a member of the communist party in the 1930's so it was a commonly used word for her. This is a poem, which is not wholly concerned with the sexual relationship of love in the first stanza, but also on the importance of a mutual understanding and feeling for each other within the second half of the poem. It illustrates the need for respect in a true love, and the necessity to support one another. As well, Comrade speaks of how much time can change a person. Thus, this is a poem that confirms that although desire may diminish, comradeship is a more lasting element.

Furthermore, Comrade begins with a stanza that grasps the reality of sexual desire. It emphasizes a woman's first experience in the loss of her virginity and a flower is used as a comparison to this loss of virginity. Most people have heard the term de-flowered in reference to a woman losing her virginity, "It was the first time; and a flower could not / Have been more softly opened, folded out." This woman is experiencing the reality of desire and the emotions of a true love. She is touched by a passion that she has never before dealt with or felt, "A sleep and love again more sweet than I / Have ever known; without an aftertaste."

For many people, the "first time" is especially memorable. It causes emotions that were deeply hidden to surface, and creates powerful feelings that cannot be controlled or understood. Thus, this experience creates an affectionate desire and a passionate love. She mentions an "aftertaste," which is conclusive to a breakup or heartbreak. Most people have experienced the reality of heartbreak. It leaves you in a vulnerable position because it creates feelings of helplessness and loneliness that only heal with time. The fact that she never had to deal with this heartbreak or "aftertaste" is evident of the strength within their relationship. The comment on his confidence is not just referring to the act that they are engaged in, but it also connects to their future relationship, "Your hands were firm upon me: without fear." It is a good omen of what is to come. His determination is proof of the strength that binds them. The last two lines verify the desire that he awakens in her.

She recognizes the chemistry between them as something that occurs only once in a lifetime, and for her once is enough to last an eternity. He arouses feelings in her that she has never before experienced, "I lay arrested in a still delight / Till suddenly the fountain in me woke." The "fountain" that wakes within her is actually an unimaginable ecstasy that she experiences through him. Therefore, this is a vastly sexual stanza. It is based on metaphors for sexual desires and experiences, and allows overwhelming feelings to surface. Thus, although the woman only slept with the man but the one time, it was obviously a memorable and lasting experience for her, enough so that the one time lasted her a lifetime.

The second stanza is the section of the poem, which is continued after many years in between. The in-between years display the changes in both the woman and the man. This time allows both of them to change, grow, and accept. Time always changes people, whether or not they want to change, "My dear, it's years between; we've grown up fast." This can also be seen as a suggestion that perhaps she's reflecting back on her life. It insinuates that this stanza is a memory. She is portrayed as determined because she refuses to ever give up, "Each differently; each striving by itself." She hopes that he is living his life the same way.

Time is a method of realizing your dreams. It is a way to understand yourself, and most importantly it is a way to grow and accept the changes within yourself. The woman is speaking of the changes that have occurred not only in her but also in him. She sees him now as a poor figure, "I see you now a grey man without dreams." She is reflecting on him as a man who has given up, and succumbed to the harsh realities of life. It is to give up on your dreams that you are giving up on your future. Consequently, this is what the woman is speaking of when she refers to the changes that have occurred within him, "Without a living, or an overcoat." When she speaks of him "without an overcoat" she is speaking of the grasp he once had on life and the happiness with which he once lived that life. However, love always changes in time. A strong emotional shift occurs and the relationship will delve deeper into a friendship.

This friendship or comradeship as Livesay refers to it, is more solid and reliable. Although so much time has passed she continues to believe that they still share the same goal, "But sealed in struggle now, we are more close / Than if our bodies still were sealed in love." They may not be close physically, but their minds are completely linked. For that reason, their minds are closer than their bodies ever were. Therefore, it is not their sexual desires that bring them closer, or their physical togetherness but instead it is their thoughts and minds that join them.

Comrade is a poem centered on extreme emotions. It allows the readers to understand what is of importance in a relationship and why. A love is a friendship. It is based on friendship, and not on sexual desires. This is because if the desires diminish there will still be a friendship, but if the friendship diminishes there will be nothing. Therefore, as sexual desires lessen over time there will always be a comradeship to support the relationship.

Works Cited

Livesay, Dorothy. "Comrade." 15 Canadian Poets x 3. Ed. Gary Geddes. 4^th ed. Ontario: Oxford University Press, 2001. 18.
Livesay, Dorothy. Right Hand Left Hand. Ontario: Hunter Rose Company, 1977.