Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Wedding Vow" by Sharon Olds explores the transformative power of love and the courage it instills in individuals who have been isolated or fearful. The poem reads like a declaration of the profound changes love can bring, liberating people from their insecurities and allowing them to embrace life fully.

The poem begins with an acknowledgment of the human condition prior to the arrival of love: "We, unaccustomed to courage / exiles from delight / live coiled in shells of loneliness." This imagery vividly captures the state of isolation and fear that many experience, likening it to being encased in a shell, cut off from joy and connection. The use of the word "exiles" suggests a sense of being banished from happiness or fulfillment, reinforcing the idea of emotional isolation.

However, this state of loneliness is not permanent. The poem describes love's descent from its "high holy temple," indicating that love is a divine or exalted force that chooses to manifest in everyday life. This personification of love as a liberator—coming "into our sight to liberate us into life"—suggests that love has the power to break the barriers that isolate individuals, offering them a new, vibrant existence.

As love arrives, it brings with it "ecstasies / old memories of pleasure / ancient histories of pain." This line acknowledges the complexity of love, which encompasses both joy and suffering. The "ecstasies" and "old memories of pleasure" remind us of the positive, life-affirming aspects of love, while the "ancient histories of pain" suggest that love also reawakens past hurts and vulnerabilities. This dual nature of love is essential to its transformative power, as it forces individuals to confront all aspects of their emotional experiences.

The poem emphasizes that embracing love requires bravery. "Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls." Here, Olds highlights that the courage to love frees individuals from their fears, allowing them to shed their timidity. The phrase "weaned from our timidity" suggests a nurturing process, as if love nurtures courage and strength within individuals. In the "flush of love’s light," people are emboldened, gaining the bravery to face life's challenges and fully engage with the world.

The concluding lines of the poem deliver a powerful message about the cost and value of love: "And suddenly we see that love costs all we are / and will ever be. / Yet it is only love which sets us free." Olds suggests that true love requires a complete investment of oneself—it demands everything a person is and will become. This total commitment can be daunting, as it involves vulnerability and the risk of loss. However, the poem asserts that this sacrifice is worthwhile, as love is the key to liberation. It frees individuals from the constraints of fear, loneliness, and emotional exile, allowing them to experience life more fully and authentically.

"The Wedding Vow" captures the essence of love as a transformative force that requires courage and total commitment. Sharon Olds eloquently portrays the dual nature of love, acknowledging its joys and pains while ultimately affirming its power to liberate and empower individuals. The poem serves as a testament to the profound impact of love on the human soul, celebrating its ability to break through isolation and fear, and to set us free.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...