Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alicia Suskin Ostriker's poem "The Door Clicks. He Returns to Me" is a delicate exploration of domestic intimacy, the passage of time, and the complex emotions that arise from witnessing the simple yet profound moments of family life. The poem captures a scene that is both ordinary and deeply meaningful, where the return of a partner and father to the household triggers a cascade of feelings that blur the lines between pleasure and pain. Through its understated yet evocative imagery, the poem invites the reader to reflect on the beauty, tenderness, and bittersweet nature of familial bonds.

The poem begins with the quiet yet significant moment of the partner's return: "The door clicks. He returns to me." This simple action—the door clicking shut—signals the rejoining of the family unit, a daily ritual that marks the transition from the outside world to the intimate space of the home. The partner brings "fresh air in," a detail that emphasizes the renewal and vitality he brings into the domestic sphere. The subsequent kiss and touch between the couple convey the affection and connection that underpin their relationship, a brief but meaningful exchange that reaffirms their bond.

The speaker is holding "the flannel-wrapped baby," a symbol of warmth, care, and new life. The presence of the baby underscores the nurturing role the speaker occupies within the family, as well as the continuation of life through the next generation. The girls, who "run to him," add a sense of joy and excitement to the scene, their enthusiasm highlighting the father's importance in their lives. The father's act of waltzing "the weightless / bundle over his shoulder" conveys a sense of playfulness and tenderness, as he balances the responsibilities of fatherhood with the lightness and joy of being with his children.

As evening falls, the family sits down to dinner, a ritual that further solidifies the bonds between them. The speaker's role in bathing the girls and preparing them for bed reinforces the themes of care and nurturing that run throughout the poem. However, as the speaker walks by "our broad bed," the tone shifts to a more introspective and contemplative one.

The image of the man "in a snow white shirt, like a great sleepy bird," resting on the bed next to "his seed, his son," is rich with symbolism. The snow-white shirt suggests purity, calm, and perhaps a certain fragility or vulnerability. The comparison to a "great sleepy bird" evokes a sense of protection, yet also weariness—an acknowledgment of the weight of his responsibilities. The juxtaposition of the father and son, resting together in the soft lamplight, creates a scene of profound stillness and peace, yet it also prompts the speaker to confront the deeper emotions that such a sight evokes.

The final lines of the poem pose a question that encapsulates the tension between joy and sorrow: "If a woman looks, at such / a sight, is the felt pang / measureless pleasure? / Is it measureless pain?" These questions reflect the ambivalence that often accompanies moments of deep emotional significance. The "felt pang" suggests a sharp, almost physical sensation—a response to the beauty and fragility of life, the awareness of time's passage, and the complex interplay of love, duty, and mortality. The use of "measureless" emphasizes the intensity and immeasurability of these emotions, suggesting that they exist beyond the realm of simple categorization.

Ostriker's poem captures the essence of domestic life with a subtlety that reveals the profound within the mundane. The tenderness of the family's interactions, the routine of daily life, and the quiet moments of reflection all contribute to a rich emotional tapestry that speaks to the universal experiences of love, family, and the passage of time. Through its precise imagery and contemplative tone, "The Door Clicks. He Returns to Me" invites the reader to consider the complex and often contradictory emotions that define our most intimate relationships, highlighting the deep connections that sustain us even as they remind us of life's impermanence.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...