The central theme of “A Great Need” is people’s interdependence. Ladinsky makes this point immediately in the first three lines of the poem: “Out / Of a great need / We are all holding hands” (Lines 1-3). Ladinsky breaks the second line at “need,” which builds suspense since the need’s exact nature remains unidentified.

The speaker then reveals that the “great need” (Line 2) resulted in the group “holding hands” (Line 3) and “climbing” (Line 4). They then say, “Not loving is a letting go” (Line 5). Since he links “holding hands” (Line 3) with “climbing” (Line 4) and also with “loving” (Line 5), Ladinsky implies that “letting go” is an interruption to community, which might impact others’ ability to climb successfully; the speaker asserts that their location makes it “Far too / Dangerous / For / That” (Lines 9-12). This assertion creates a causality between the action (of “letting go” [Line 5]) and physical danger. Lines 9 through 12 also explain the reason behind “the great need” (Line 2) to “hold hands” (Line 3): Sticking together protects them in a challenging environment.

The poem demonstrates an individual’s role in maintaining a collective, and, for Ladinsky, people move forward because they receive help and camaraderie.