Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"After Making Love in Winter," by Sharon Olds, delves into the intimate and sensory experience of post-coital stillness and reflection. The poem captures a moment of profound physical and emotional vulnerability, exploring the sensations that follow the act of love-making and the serene aftermath.

The poem begins with a description of the speaker's heightened sensitivity: "At first I cannot have even a sheet on me, anything at all is painful, a plate of / iron laid down on my nerves." This imagery suggests an acute awareness of her body, where even the lightest touch can be overwhelming. The metaphor of a "plate of iron" conveys the intensity of this sensitivity, emphasizing the contrast between the external cold and the internal heat generated by intimacy.

As she lies in bed, she describes a transition from "hot, warm, cool, cold, icy," illustrating a gradual cooling of the body. This cooling process is not only physical but also metaphorical, representing a return to a state of calm after the fervor of passion. The contrast between the "ice" of the skin and the "blooms of fire" at the points where their bodies touch emphasizes the lingering warmth of their connection amidst the surrounding chill.

The imagery shifts to the room's details, where the light from the hall "burns in straight lines and casts up narrow beams on the ceiling." This description, along with the figure "throwing up its arms for joy," suggests a moment of quiet celebration or exultation. The room itself becomes a sanctuary, with the mirror reflecting a sense of calm and stability, where "the angles of the room are calm" and the "dark globes of the chandelier" are "motionless." This stillness contrasts with the dynamic emotions and sensations previously described, offering a moment of peaceful reflection.

The poem then delves into her introspection, as she becomes aware of her own body, specifically her ovaries. The line "maybe I am looking at my ovaries, it is clear everything I look at is real / and good" suggests a deep connection with herself and a recognition of her body's reality and goodness. This introspection is linked to a broader sense of contentment and acceptance.

The closing lines highlight the tenderness and comfort shared between the lovers. The speaker describes a repeated, soothing gesture: "you run your palm, warm, large, dry, back along my face over and over, over and over." This act is likened to "God putting the finishing touches on, before sending me down to be born," suggesting a sense of completion and renewal. The divine metaphor elevates the intimacy to a spiritual level, imbuing the moment with a sense of sacredness and grace.

"After Making Love in Winter" beautifully captures the complexity of post-intimacy emotions, blending physical sensations with deeper reflections on connection, self-awareness, and tranquility. Sharon Olds' evocative imagery and contemplative tone create a vivid and tender portrait of a private, shared moment, exploring the interplay between warmth and cold, movement and stillness, and the physical and the spiritual.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...