Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Poems for the Breasts" by Sharon Olds is a contemplative and introspective poem that explores the speaker's relationship with her own body, specifically her breasts, as they navigate through different stages of life. Olds imbues the breasts with a sense of personhood and emotional resonance, reflecting on their role in her life, their connection to sexuality and femininity, and their experience of loss and grief. Through personification and vivid imagery, the poem delves into themes of identity, aging, love, and the physical embodiment of emotional states.

The poem opens with a comparison of the breasts to "identical twins," noting that, like twins, they become more distinguishable in adulthood. This initial image sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their individuality and the distinct qualities that the speaker perceives in them. One breast is characterized as being "fast to wrinkle her brow," suggesting a quick-witted, intelligent nature. The other is described as "dream[ing] inside a constellation," with "freckles of Orion," evoking a more dreamy, ethereal quality. This personification attributes unique personalities to the breasts, highlighting the intimate and complex relationship the speaker has with her own body.

The speaker reflects on the arrival of her breasts at age thirteen, describing them as rising "half out of my chest." This imagery captures the sudden and transformative nature of puberty, marking a significant change in the speaker's physical and emotional life. The breasts are now "forty, wise, generous," indicating a maturation process that parallels the speaker's own growth and life experiences. The speaker expresses a deep connection to her breasts, acknowledging that they are a part of her, yet also recognizing them as separate entities with their own presence and significance.

Olds explores the societal and personal implications of breasts, noting that boys were said to "worship their category of being" and that some young men loved them in a way that was desired. This reflection touches on the cultural fetishization of breasts and the impact of such attention on the speaker's sense of self and sexuality. Despite this external gaze, the speaker's relationship with her breasts is deeply personal and internal, as she describes them as "a gift that I have to give." This line suggests an awareness of their symbolic value as well as a recognition of their intrinsic worth beyond mere physical attributes.

The poem shifts to a more melancholic tone as the speaker describes the breasts' response to the departure of her husband. They are depicted as "singing to him, like a pair of soaking / sirens on a scaled rock," unable to comprehend his absence. This personification conveys a sense of longing and confusion, as the breasts continue to call out for him, embodying a naive hopefulness. The imagery of sirens, mythical creatures known for their enchanting calls, adds a layer of poignancy, highlighting the breasts' inability to accept the reality of separation.

The speaker tenderly acknowledges the breasts' grief, holding them "one in each hand, twin widows, / heavy with grief." This metaphor extends their personification, portraying them as bereaved partners mourning a loss. The reference to them as "thirsty nurslings / of excitement and plenty" further emphasizes their role in intimate and nurturing aspects of the speaker's life, as well as the emotional void left by the husband's departure.

As the poem nears its conclusion, the speaker reflects on the passage of time, noting that it is "the same season again, the very week / he moved out." The repetition of time emphasizes the cyclical nature of grief and memory. The speaker recalls the husband's farewell, noting that the breasts, being "creatures of ignorant suffering," do not understand the finality of his departure. They are portrayed as "sweet" and "refreshing to live with," lacking the "knowledge of death," which contrasts with the speaker's awareness of mortality and loss.

"Poems for the Breasts" is a rich and layered exploration of the female body, identity, and the complex emotions tied to love and loss. Sharon Olds masterfully uses personification and metaphor to give voice to the often unspoken physical and emotional experiences of women. The poem delves into the intimate connections we have with our bodies and the ways in which they bear witness to our lives, capturing the profound interplay between physical form and emotional reality. Through her sensitive and evocative language, Olds invites readers to consider the deep significance of the body as a vessel of memory, desire, and pain.

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