Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Joel Oppenheimer's poem "The Innocent Breasts" is a contemplative and provocative exploration of the female body, particularly focusing on breasts as both a sexual and maternal symbol. The poem delves into the shifting perceptions and roles of breasts across different contexts—erotic, maternal, and political—while also reflecting on the speaker's own relationship with these changes. Through this lens, Oppenheimer examines broader themes of desire, objectification, societal norms, and the complexities of human sexuality.

The poem opens with a serene, almost reverential image of breasts in the "soft morning" light. They are described as "tender and innocent," a depiction that contrasts sharply with the more sexualized roles they play at other times of the day. This initial innocence sets the stage for the poem's exploration of the various ways in which breasts are perceived and experienced, both by the woman who possesses them and by the men who desire them.

Oppenheimer’s portrayal of breasts as "hard and passionate as pomegranates" during an earlier sexual encounter captures their erotic potential. The comparison to pomegranates, a fruit often associated with fertility and sensuality, reinforces the idea of breasts as objects of desire. The poem then shifts to a reflection on how breasts have been the focus of male attention throughout history—"every man at the party wanted them"—underscoring the persistent objectification and sexualization of the female body.

The poem also touches on the maternal aspect of breasts, recalling a time "ten months ago" when they were "filled with milk" and nourished a child. This memory contrasts with the speaker's restraint during that period, as he "held back his hands and lips," recognizing that the breasts, in that context, "were not his." This tension between the erotic and the maternal highlights the multifaceted nature of breasts, which serve both as symbols of nurture and as objects of desire.

Oppenheimer then broadens the discussion to a more intellectual level, invoking figures like Darwin, Marx, and Freud to explore the idea that humans are "bone-pickers," "rag-pickers," and "brain-pickers" in their efforts to understand and reconstruct history. The reference to these thinkers suggests that the poem is not merely about physical attraction but also about the deeper, more complex forces that shape human behavior and societal norms. The breast, as a "sexual attribute," is positioned within this broader context, connecting biology, sociology, and psychology.

The poem's tone shifts as it describes a later moment in the day, at a forum, where breasts again become the focal point of attention. The speaker observes how "those breasts took over the conversation," revealing the persistent influence of sexuality even in intellectual or political discussions. The interplay between sexual attraction and public discourse is highlighted by the woman's embarrassment and the man's jesting response, illustrating how breasts can dominate interactions, regardless of the setting.

Oppenheimer’s candid admission—"I unabashedly stare through every see-through blouse, look down every low neckline"—acknowledges the pervasive nature of male desire and the social conditioning that leads men to view breasts in a sexualized manner. The poem wrestles with this objectification, noting that "we are born to love them" while also recognizing the challenges and complexities of making love to them, indicating a tension between instinctual attraction and the potential for meaningful connection.

The poem concludes with a return to the morning scene, where the speaker refrains from touching the "innocent" breasts, opting instead to appreciate their beauty and purity in the morning light. This restraint is not out of perversity but is described as "a special delight," suggesting a reverence for the moment's purity and a preference for contemplation over action. The speaker anticipates a later encounter—"after the forum, they would nap, in the warm afternoon"—where "the true carnality" will be realized, indicating a cyclical pattern of desire and fulfillment.

Throughout the poem, Oppenheimer uses the imagery of breasts to explore the complex intersections of sexuality, desire, and societal norms. The repetition of the phrase "the breasts hung innocent in the morning light" serves as a refrain that anchors the poem, reminding the reader of the inherent innocence of the female body, despite the various roles and meanings imposed upon it by society and individual experience. Ultimately, "The Innocent Breasts" is a meditation on the multifaceted nature of human attraction, the influence of cultural constructs, and the delicate balance between reverence and desire.

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