Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy’s "The Book of Ruth and Naomi" is a poignant reflection on the deep bonds between women, juxtaposed with the often patriarchal narratives found in religious texts. Through the lens of the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, Piercy explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the enduring power of female connections. The poem delves into the contrast between the scripture’s emphasis on inheritance and the personal, emotional resonance that the story holds for women.

The opening lines establish a dissonance between the traditional reading of the Book of Ruth and the emotional memory it evokes. Piercy notes the shock of how "little it resembles memory," highlighting the text's preoccupation with "inheritance, / lands, men's names, how women / must wiggle and wobble to live." This portrayal underscores the historical context in which women’s worth and survival were intricately tied to their relationships with men and their ability to navigate a male-dominated society.

Despite this, Piercy emphasizes that women have kept the story dear, particularly for the relationship between Naomi and Ruth. The poem acknowledges that "women have kept it dear / for the beloved elder who / cherished Ruth, more friend than / daughter." This reimagining of Naomi and Ruth’s bond transcends the traditional mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, presenting it instead as a profound friendship. The lines "Daughters leave. Ruth / brought even the baby she made / with Boaz home as a gift" suggest a deeper, more enduring commitment than mere familial duty.

The core of the poem is found in Ruth’s declaration to Naomi, a vow of unyielding loyalty: "Where you go, I will go too, / your people shall be my people, / I will be a Jew for you, / for what is yours I will love / as I love you, oh Naomi / my mother, my sister, my heart." These lines capture the essence of devotion and love that transcends traditional family ties, portraying Ruth’s commitment as one of profound personal sacrifice and deep emotional connection.

Piercy then shifts to a broader reflection on the universal longing for a "heart's twin," a sister of the mind. She articulates a common dream among women for a confidante "in whose ear she can whisper, / whose hair she can braid as her life / twists its pleasure and pain and shame." This imagery of braiding hair symbolizes the intertwining of lives and the sharing of intimate moments, both joyful and painful. The desire for such a bond is depicted as a deeply ingrained aspect of the female experience, a "fiercely gentle love" that women cherish and seek throughout their lives.

The poem’s concluding stanza situates Ruth and Naomi within the context of survival and resilience. At "the season of first fruits," they are remembered as "two travellers, co-conspirators, scavengers / making do with leftovers and mill ends." This portrayal emphasizes their resourcefulness and the strength of their friendship, which was "stronger than fear, / stronger than hunger." Piercy honors their journey as one of mutual support and shared hardship, where their "hands joined" symbolizes unity and strength.

"The Book of Ruth and Naomi" is a meditation on the enduring power of female friendship and loyalty. Piercy reclaims the biblical narrative from its patriarchal trappings, focusing instead on the emotional and relational aspects that resonate with women. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt language, the poem celebrates the bonds between women that provide support, love, and resilience in the face of societal and personal challenges. In doing so, Piercy underscores the timeless and universal nature of such connections, honoring the profound impact they have on women's lives.

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