Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mary Oliver's poem "Opossum" intricately weaves together the themes of beauty, resilience, and unexpected tenderness found in nature. Through her vivid imagery and careful observation, Oliver transforms the often overlooked and misunderstood opossum into a symbol of grace and strength.

The poem opens with a list of various animals known for their distinctive beauty: "Beauty of fox, lemur, panther, / aardvark, thunder-worm, condor, / the quagga, the puffer, the kudu." By beginning with these diverse and exotic creatures, Oliver sets the stage for a meditation on the nature of beauty, suggesting that it can be found in the most surprising of places. This list also emphasizes the diversity of life and the myriad forms that beauty can take.

The introduction of the opossum contrasts with the preceding list: "and this: the opossum / with her babies hanging on, gray lumps." The opossum, often seen as less glamorous compared to the aforementioned animals, is presented with a simple, unembellished beauty. The "gray lumps" of her babies clinging to her body evoke a sense of raw, unpretentious life. The imagery of the babies "all around the scaly tail / that was bent over her back, like a sailboat's boom," paints a vivid picture of the mother opossum's form and function, highlighting the unique adaptations that enable her to care for her offspring.

Oliver's description of the opossum's babies with their "oh! almost human baby-fingers" introduces a moment of connection and recognition. This detail invites readers to see the opossum not as an alien or lesser creature, but as something familiar and relatable. The comparison of the opossum's tail to a "sailboat's boom" further enriches the image, suggesting a sense of movement and journey, as if the opossum is navigating through life with her vulnerable cargo.

Initially, the poet mistakes the opossum for "some pitiful broken thing / lumping along over the scrubby leaves." This moment of misjudgment reflects a common tendency to overlook or misunderstand creatures that do not fit conventional standards of beauty or strength. However, this perception quickly shifts as Oliver observes the "brown dog-softness of her long-lashed eyes." The description of the opossum's eyes as "dog-soft" conveys warmth and gentleness, challenging the initial impression of the animal as pitiable.

The poem culminates with the image of the opossum running "swiftly, with her wobbling burden of life upon her." This closing scene captures the essence of the opossum's resilience and maternal devotion. Despite the awkwardness suggested by "wobbling," the opossum's swift movement conveys determination and strength. The phrase "burden of life" underscores the weight and responsibility the opossum carries, yet it is a burden she bears with grace and purpose.

Structurally, the poem's free verse and concise lines create a rhythm that mirrors the opossum's movements. The enjambment throughout the poem allows thoughts and images to flow seamlessly, reflecting the continuity and interconnectedness of life. Oliver's language is precise and evocative, capturing the essence of the opossum's existence with both clarity and depth.

In "Opossum," Oliver's keen observation and empathetic perspective transform a seemingly ordinary encounter into a moment of profound insight. Through her detailed and compassionate portrayal, she reveals the hidden beauty and strength of the opossum, inviting readers to reconsider their perceptions of the natural world. The poem serves as a reminder that beauty and resilience can be found in the most unexpected places, and that every creature, no matter how humble, has its own unique grace and purpose.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...