In the second stanza the poet introduces a new voice, a voice of insecurity. He expresses his fears of entering a new stage in life, one which shall change his old entity completely, a life of maturity, responsibility, love and fidelity. Like a boy who leaves his childhood behind to become an adult, a man, he is abandoning his “sure green world”, the freedom of a life without obligations. Therefore what used to make him feel secure has become “topsy turvy” and everything he had been used to has now changed into a path of darkness where his only guide is his love for his companion. They are leaving a “familiar landscape” in order to follow a new unknown path as one.
However, the flowing tempo is interrupted by a sudden halt,
“The engine noises change. You look at me.”
This shows his insecurity, the fears most persons feel when taking an important decision which will change your life forever. Whenever he looks at his partner, he sees her expectations from him and the responsibility starts weighing on him. The love he had previously treated with frivolity now carries serious connotations; it is a love which must last a lifetime. “The coastline slip [ping] away” is his past life disappearing, fading away.
In the third stanza Heaney introduces a new perspective to his poem, a religious aspect and a new voice of hope and regained security. He mentions that they have entered or “launched” themselves into a new spiritual life of unity. The “fire” may also bring to mind Pentecost because like the apostles were blesses with tongues of fire, so is the couple blesses by the love of God. They have been blesses with a power which allows them to face each day and each dilemma with a new light of hope and bravery brought about by their mutual love, just like Jesus managed to do the impossible by walking on “water”. They are now “dependent” on their faith in God and their reciprocal love. The mention of these three elements, “fire”, “water” and “air” also brings to mind peace, unity and passion at the same time. They represent the natural balance there is between the lovers, their dependence on each other. It is their “invisible” faith in God and their everlasting love for each other which “keeps [them] airborne”. The enjambment in verses 11-12 represents this passion which keeps them going, which “bring[s them] further”.
In the fourth and final stanza the poet gives signs of resignation to what is commonly known as destiny. In fact he ends his poem in a hush tone to bring about an atmosphere of peace representing their faith and optimism in a new serene life. Their future is like a “sky” faded by the steam of a “geyser”, therefore it holds surprises round every corner, both good and bad surprises. Again Heaney adds religious connotations to his poem,
“A calm voice [which] talks [out] of clouds”.
This reminds us of Jesus’ baptism, when God spoke out of a cloud and blessed his son. Similarly the couple has been baptized so as to be able to start a new life with the benediction of the priest and the holy sacrament of matrimony (God). As they go down towards their destination their emotions keep scrambling with “fear” and joy for their unknown future as a married couple. They have become “travelers” entering a new life with “trust” and love as their supporting companions.
This poem has the ability to shed light upon real emotions of what newlyweds feel before taking this important step in their lives, their fears and their passion. It is a sacred voyage where two persons are united and become one. However this voyage, like any other, has its adversities and rewards. However the enjambments show a positive side to this voyage, how smooth and pleasurable it can be. Heaney has managed to reach out to his audience through a metaphorical voyage of emotions towards his conjugal life.
