Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Toth Farry" by Sharon Olds is a contemplative and evocative poem that delves into the nostalgic and sentimental act of preserving children's lost baby teeth. The poem explores themes of memory, attachment, and the passage of time, while also touching on the poignant symbolism of these small remnants from childhood.

The poem begins with a description of a collection of baby teeth stored in the "back of the charm-box, in a sack." The teeth, described as "mostly chaff," have degraded over time, likened to "split kernels and acicular down," highlighting their fragility and the passage of time since they were first lost. The imagery of the teeth as "half / an adz; half a shovel" with a "marrow well of the will / to dig and bite" suggests a metaphorical representation of the energy and vigor of childhood, encapsulating the curiosity and determination inherent in youth.

The colors of the enamel are described in a vivid spectrum, ranging from "salt, to bone, to pee on snow, to / sun on pond-ice embedded with twigs / and chipped-off skate-blade." These descriptions evoke natural elements and scenes, grounding the physicality of the teeth in a broader, more universal context of life's ephemeral beauty. The mention of "one cuspid / is like the tail of an ivory chough" ties the imagery to familial objects and memories, specifically an artifact on the grandmother's "what-not" shelf, seen in a "gravure on my mother's / bureau in my father's house in my head." This layering of familial references connects the present moment with a lineage of past experiences and memories, encapsulating the continuity of family history.

The poem introduces a charming note, "Dear Toth Farry, Plees Giv Me / A Bag of Moany," presumably written by one of the children to the Tooth Fairy. This note adds a touch of innocence and humor, capturing the sweet naivety of childhood. The speaker reflects on the indistinctness of the teeth's ownership, "mingled the deciduals of our girl and boy," and the difficulty in distinguishing whose teeth belong to whom. This blending symbolizes the shared experiences and indistinguishable moments that comprise family life.

As the speaker examines these "shards," they liken themselves to a "skeleton-lover," someone who cherishes these relics of the past. The poem contemplates the impossibility of discarding these "short pints of osseous breastmilk," a metaphor that beautifully conveys the nurturing aspect of these teeth, which once played a crucial role in the children's development. The speaker acknowledges the "wisdom" contained in these teeth, with their "charnel underside" and "smooth and experienced" dome, hinting at the bittersweet nature of remembering the past.

The poem culminates with a rich, almost mystical description of a tooth's surface, likened to "a cusp-ring of mountain tops / around an amber crevasse," evoking a natural landscape where "summit wildflowers open / for a day." The listing of flowers—"Crown Buttercup, Alpine Flames, / Shooting-Star, Rosy Fairy Lantern, / Cream Sacs, Sugar Scoop"—paints a vivid and delicate picture, symbolizing fleeting beauty and the transient nature of life.

"Toth Farry" is a poignant meditation on the significance of small, seemingly mundane objects that carry deep emotional resonance. Sharon Olds captures the tender, almost sacred act of preserving these relics of childhood, imbuing them with meaning and connecting them to a broader tapestry of family and memory. The poem explores the themes of growth, loss, and the preciousness of fleeting moments, offering a tender reflection on the passage of time and the enduring bonds of family.

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