“Just Once Try” by W.S. Merwin is a poem that explores the tension between the spiritual and material aspects of human existence.

Throughout the poem, images related to spirit and matter are used to convey deeper philosophical and existential themes. Here’s a discussion of their significance:

The Image of the Wave:

The wave symbolizes the transient and ephemeral nature of material existence. Waves rise and fall, constantly changing and flowing, much like the fleeting pleasures and possessions of the material world.
At the same time, the wave can be seen as a metaphor for the eternal and universal aspects of existence. Despite its impermanence, the wave is part of a larger, interconnected whole, reflecting the enduring essence of life beyond its material manifestations.

The Image of the Stone:

The stone represents the solidity and permanence of the material world. Unlike the wave, which is fluid and transient, the stone is unyielding and immutable, symbolizing the tangible and concrete aspects of existence.
However, the stone can also be seen as a symbol of spiritual stagnation and inertia. Its hardness and resistance to change reflect the limitations imposed by a purely materialistic worldview, which neglects the deeper dimensions of human experience.

The Image of the Hand:

The hand serves as a bridge between the spiritual and material realms. It is through the hand that the speaker engages with the world, shaping and molding both tangible objects and intangible experiences.
The hand also symbolizes agency and action, suggesting that it is through our choices and actions that we navigate the complexities of existence and reconcile the dichotomy between spirit and matter.

The Image of the Heart:

The heart represents the seat of human emotion and intuition, transcending the boundaries of the material world. It is through the heart that the speaker connects with deeper truths and experiences the fullness of life beyond mere material possessions.
By juxtaposing images of the heart with those of waves and stones, the poem emphasizes the contrast between the ephemeral nature of material wealth and the enduring richness of spiritual fulfillment.

Overall, the images related to spirit and matter in “Just Once Try” invite readers to contemplate the transient nature of material existence and the deeper, more enduring aspects of human experience. Through these images, the poem encourages us to seek meaning and fulfillment beyond the confines of the material world, embracing the spiritual dimensions of life with open hearts and minds.