I’ll Open the Window is a passionate piece written by Anna Swir that offers a raw and natural post-romantic breakup statement. The author uses vivid imagery to draw the reader’s attention to the freedoms one experiences when alone. The author speaks confidently and surely. She is not wavering in her decisions and is ready for the things to come.
Throughout the piece, you are able to sense her deep desire for independence. Free of fear, and worries, Swir tells a tale of a woman who is ridding herself of the complications of a mismatched romantic entanglement.
Summary
This poem, which you can read here, speaks honestly and freely about the speaker’s failed relationship. This piece reflects a story of a woman whose lengthy relationship has exposed her own vices as well as her partner’s for too long of a time. Because of this, she frees herself of her significant other and goes on a journey for freedom.
During this poem, one is reminded of the beauties of being alone. The author reaffirms her need for solidarity in the final stanza. Without hesitation, the speaker goes full force into a life of new meaning. She undergoes a process of finding herself again. As her mind is freed, she is able to become in tune with the needs and happenings that are present in the world.
Tone
The tone of this piece is one of confidence and boldness. Throughout I’ll Open the Window, Swir is is firm and consistent in with her words and imagery. The speaker conveys a sureness that leads the reader to the understanding of just how final her decision is. There is no confusion present. All doubts have existed in the past only. There is no contemplation or wavering.
I’ll Open the Window Analysis
First Stanza
In this first stanza, the author describes how the relationship lasted more than it could stand. By saying ‘We loved right down to the bone’, the author alludes to the couple knowing each other very deeply to the point of experiencing and seeing each other’s core person. In this process of knowing someone deeply, there is a revelation of imperfections that can not be denied or overlooked. In this case when the ‘bones grind’ I am thinking of the imperfections that these two individuals have, clashing and causing issues for the couple.
When the author uses ‘bones grind’ I believe that she can also be referring to conflict and differences. Because of how extensive their differences are, they come to a place where those differences make the relationship impossible.
It is clear that the couple in I’ll Open the Window made a significant effort to be with one another. The relationship was not shallow or short-lived. The individuals actually loved and cared for each other so much, that they went overboard. Because of their love, there was not able to be love any longer. This is ironic in that the effort made should have caused the love to flourish but instead led to it’s demise. The difficulties and differences that were present were too overwhelming to look past and caused the separation to occur. By using the word ‘skeleton’ we are left with an understanding that the affair was lengthy and that the turbulence lasted for quite some time.
Second Stanza
The second stanza is an anthem of freedom that highlights the rebirth of interests and passions that occurs after her breakup. The first thing that must be done, according to the poem, I’ll Open the Window, is to purify oneself by being alone. During this purification process, one’s mind becomes more open and less concerned with the other person. Instead of the former thoughts that used to occupy one’s brain, there are now thoughts regarding current events, family, and friends. A deeper awareness of one’s surroundings emerges and there is an awakening of one’s attention and feelings.
Fear does not exist during this time, and the speaker proves to be quite brave in her endeavors. When saying ‘I will open the window and the large, frosty air will enter’, I believe that the author is referring to a refreshing time that she is anticipating. I think that the frosty air stands for all of the things that are going to make her life meaningful. The frosty air can also symbolize a new start and the changes that are to come. When one opens the window on a winter day, the air comes in quite swiftly and suddenly. It seems like this is mirroring this in her poem.
Third Stanza
This final stanza is very short and curt. The author uses this length and tone in order to show seriousness and get straight to the point. The author forbids the former significant other to come back. Her reasoning behind that is that she is more comfortable with the version of herself that exists without him playing an active role in her life. By saying ‘I am an animal very rarely’, the author is reflecting back on the monstrosity of a person that she was when she was in a relationship, and how this version of herself is so infrequently displayed.
The speaker is finally happy with the place she is in. Her awakened self pleases her, and she is comfortable with her new role. You can feel the confidence in her statements. You can tell that her mind is made up. Strength like this does not come easy, and it may have taken a long time for her to build up the courage to feel this way. The trials and tribulations attached to her relationship have brought her to a bold place of courage.
About Anna Swir
Anna Swir (1909 – 1984) was a Polish poet that wrote about her experiences as a woman during the time of World War II. She also wrote candid poems about themes such as motherhood and her own sensuality. Swir, grew up poor and looked for work at a very young age in order to assist her family.
Anna served quite a few roles before she assumed that of a poet. She worked as a teacher and an editor before she started publishing pieces. There was also a time where she served as a military nurse. he worked as a waitress and also as an underground writer during the time of the Nazi invasion in Poland. Anna was a member of the Resistance after the Nazi invasion.
Many have referred to Swir as a feminist poet as a result of her tone as well as the content of her poetry. She communicates with tones of confidence and is very bold in her art. Aside from poetry, she also wrote stories and plays for children. Swir received several awards for the quality and content of her work. Her death was due to cancer in 1984.
