Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Month of June: 13 1/2" by Sharon Olds is a celebration of a pivotal moment in a young girl's life as she transitions from childhood to adolescence, symbolized by her graduation from the eighth grade and the onset of puberty. The poem captures the exuberance, transformation, and self-awareness that accompany this significant developmental stage.

The poem opens with a sense of anticipation and transformation as the daughter approaches two major milestones: graduation and puberty. The speaker notes that she is moving at "her own, calm, deliberate, serious rate," suggesting a self-assuredness and maturity beyond her years. This calmness contrasts with the lively physical expressions that follow, as she begins to "kick up her heels, jazz out her hands, thrust out her hipbones," and chant "I’m great! I’m great!" These actions symbolize her burgeoning confidence and the joy of discovering her own identity.

The metaphor of a chrysalis cracking and letting the daughter out effectively captures the metamorphosis she is undergoing. The discarded "husks" of past grades represent the stages of her growth, each left behind as she evolves. The vivid imagery of "the magenta rind of 5th grade" and "the hard jacket of 4th when she had so much pain" personalize these periods, hinting at the unique experiences and challenges she faced during each. The reference to "kindergarten like a strip of thumb-suck blanket" evokes a tender nostalgia for early childhood, emphasizing the rapid passage of time and the innocence left behind.

As the poem progresses, the school experience is described as "coming off her shoulders like a cloak unclasped," indicating a shedding of old identities and constraints. This release allows her to dance forth in a "jerky sexy child’s joke dance of self, self," a phrase that beautifully encapsulates the awkward yet endearing self-exploration of adolescence. The repetition of "self, self" underscores the focus on personal identity and the excitement of asserting her individuality.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of the daughter's "two dark eyes" shining above her body, likened to "a good mother and a good father who look down and love everything their baby does." This metaphor highlights the unconditional love and pride the parents feel as they witness their child's growth. The eyes represent a protective and loving gaze, suggesting that the daughter embodies the love and hopes of her parents. The line "the way she lives their love" poignantly suggests that the daughter's confidence and joy are reflections of the love and support she has received from her parents.

In "The Month of June: 13 1/2," Sharon Olds masterfully captures the bittersweet beauty of a young girl's transition into adolescence. The poem is a celebration of growth, self-discovery, and the enduring love of family. Through vivid imagery and a deep understanding of the complexities of this stage of life, Olds conveys the wonder and excitement of leaving childhood behind and stepping into a new phase of life, filled with potential and promise.

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