Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy’s "Something to Look Forward To" is a vivid exploration of menstruation and the complex emotions tied to it, reflecting both the personal and societal perceptions of this natural process. The poem delves into the contradictions and challenges faced by women regarding their menstrual cycles, blending humor, frustration, and a nuanced appreciation of this biological function.

The opening lines immediately confront the negative connotations associated with menopause. By stating that "menopause -- word used as an insult," Piercy highlights how society often demeans women for their biological transitions. The description of a "menopausal woman, mind or poem" captures the societal tendency to devalue anything perceived as past its prime. This is contrasted with the poet's personal struggle to reframe menstruation positively, referring to the "bright splash" of menstrual blood as something to be celebrated, despite the societal inclination to view it as a "curse."

Piercy’s language is richly metaphorical, describing menstruation in terms that evoke both natural phenomena and personal experiences. The womb "opens its lips on the full / or dark of the moon," aligning the speaker with the cycles of nature. This connection to the moon and the sea emphasizes the elemental and powerful nature of menstruation. The speaker becomes a "compass needle thrilling with magnetism," suggesting a sense of direction and purpose derived from this connection.

Despite this attempt to celebrate menstruation, the poem does not shy away from the inconveniences and embarrassments it can cause. The speaker recounts various situations where menstruation becomes a source of distress, such as starting "on a jet with the seatbelt sign on" or in the midst of a demonstration. These scenarios underscore the unpredictable and often inconvenient nature of menstruation, portraying it as an unruly force that can disrupt daily life. The "trail of red amoebae / crawling onto hostess' sheets" and the wetness felt "halfway up the side of a mountain" vividly capture the discomfort and frustration associated with menstruation.

The poem also touches on the societal pressures and expectations placed on women. During a panel with "four males" where the speaker is "the token woman," the poem highlights the added stress of having to manage menstruation in a male-dominated environment. This experience is compounded by the irony of being surrounded by men with "iron bladders," underscoring the lack of understanding and empathy often encountered.

Piercy’s narrative is also deeply personal, reflecting on the mixed emotions tied to menstruation. The speaker confesses to moments of wanting to "strangle / my womb like a mouse," revealing a desire to escape the burdens of menstruation. Yet, there are also moments of reverence, as when the speaker prays "to my blood on my knees in toilet stalls / simply to show its rainbow of deliverance." This duality captures the complex relationship many women have with their menstrual cycles, seeing them as both a source of power and a source of inconvenience.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the anticipated relief of menopause. The memory of Penny, who cried out upon receiving her first napkin, highlights the initial shock and horror many girls feel when they realize the long-term commitment of menstruation. Penny’s mother’s reassurance that it stops "in middle age" is met with relief, offering "something to look forward to." This sentiment is echoed in the final lines, where the speaker, despite acknowledging the pain and inconvenience, looks forward to the end of menstruation with a sense of celebration. The imagery of burning "my last tampons as votive candles" and pouring out "a cup of wine on the earth" evokes a ritualistic and cathartic end to this chapter of life.

"Something to Look Forward To" is a candid and multifaceted exploration of menstruation, blending humor, frustration, and reverence. Piercy’s use of vivid imagery and personal narrative creates a powerful and relatable depiction of the menstrual experience, challenging societal stigmas while acknowledging the genuine hardships it entails. The poem ultimately celebrates the resilience and adaptability of women, finding moments of triumph and humor amidst the trials of menstruation.

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