Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "No More Marriages," Linda Gregg presents a speaker who resolutely rejects the traditional notion of marriage and the societal expectations that come with it. The poem opens with a strong declaration: "Well, there ain’t going to be no more marriages. / And no goddamn honeymoons. Not if I can help it." This sets the tone for the speaker’s defiance and determination to avoid the trappings of conventional relationships. The use of colloquial language and profanity emphasizes the speaker's frustration and resolve.

The speaker admits to enjoying the physical aspects of relationships with men, "being in bed with them and all," but finds fault with "the rest"—the aspects of relationships that lead to diminishment and confinement. The phrase "All these people / that get littler together" suggests that marriage, in the speaker’s view, causes individuals to shrink, to become less than their full selves. The speaker desires experiences "the proper size," wanting to engage fully and meaningfully with the world around them, without the limitations imposed by a traditional domestic life.

Gregg contrasts the speaker’s rejection of marriage with the harmony found in nature. The moon, salmon, and fir trees coexist naturally and harmoniously, embodying a sense of balance and belonging that the speaker yearns for. This natural world stands in stark contrast to the restrictive human institutions the speaker rejects. The speaker acknowledges their own flaws—"I’m the worse part, but mean no harm"—yet finds solace in the ability to move through the world quietly and with intention, likening themselves to a deer that might be startled but can walk softly.

The poem also reflects on the speaker's personal history and family influences. The mention of the grandmother’s garden, "that smelled sweet all over and was warm / as a river," evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more natural way of living. This memory is contrasted with the speaker’s current stance, highlighting a journey from an idyllic past to a resolute present. The speaker climbs the mountain to observe birds and gaze at the moon, finding peace and purpose in these solitary, natural acts.

The closing lines of the poem reaffirm the speaker’s rejection of conventional expectations. The determination not to have "postcards made up of my life with Delphi on them" symbolizes a refusal to conform to idealized, picturesque representations of life that do not align with the speaker’s reality or desires. Even if this means a lifetime of solitude—"Not even if I have to eat alone all these years"—the speaker is steadfast in their decision. The phrase "They’re never going to do that to me" underscores a fierce independence and commitment to living authentically.

In "No More Marriages," Linda Gregg captures a powerful, individualistic voice that challenges societal norms and embraces a life of personal freedom and connection with nature. The poem is a testament to the strength required to live authentically and the peace that can be found in solitude and self-determination.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...