Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mothers" by Anne Sexton is a tender and evocative exploration of the mother-child relationship, rendered through the lens of a child's perspective. Sexton, known for her confessional style, delves into the deep emotional connection and dependency that a child feels toward their mother. The poem is rich with imagery that conveys both the innocence of childhood and the powerful influence a mother has on her child's sense of security and identity.

The poem opens with the speaker addressing the mother directly, "Oh mother, / here in your lap," establishing an immediate sense of intimacy. The lap is described as "a bowlful of clouds," a metaphor that evokes a feeling of comfort and safety. This imagery suggests that the mother’s presence is as soothing and nurturing as being enveloped in soft clouds. The speaker, identifying themselves as a "greedy child," emphasizes the deep need for the mother's affection and care.

Sexton’s choice of language and imagery conveys the depth of the child's attachment. The breast is metaphorically described as "the sea wrapped in skin," indicating the life-giving nourishment that the mother provides, akin to the vastness and sustenance of the ocean. This metaphor also highlights the almost mythical or divine quality of the mother’s role in the child's life.

The poem continues with imagery that blends the natural world with the intimate physicality of the mother’s body. The mother’s arms are "roots covered with moss / and with new shoots sticking out / to tickle the laugh out of me." This comparison of the mother’s arms to roots suggests stability and growth, reinforcing the idea that the mother is the foundation of the child’s world. The mention of "new shoots" tickling the child introduces a playful element, reflecting the joy and comfort found in the mother’s embrace.

Sexton captures the sense of unity between the child and the mother through the teddy bear, which "has the smell of you / as well as the smell of me." This shared scent symbolizes the blending of identities between mother and child, where the boundaries are blurred, and the child finds a sense of self through the mother.

The poem’s imagery continues to intertwine the mother's attributes with elements of nature and celestial bodies, as seen in the references to the mother’s necklace as "angel eyes" and her rings that sparkle "like the moon on the pond." These comparisons elevate the mother to a nearly ethereal status, suggesting that in the child’s eyes, she possesses a beauty and power that is almost otherworldly.

The child's playful connection to the mother is further illustrated through the image of the mother’s legs, described as "the horses I will ride / into eternity." This metaphor not only captures the physical play between mother and child but also suggests that the mother is the vehicle through which the child experiences and navigates the world.

The poem concludes on a poignant note, with the speaker expressing a desire never to leave "this lap of childhood." The fear of entering "the big people's world" as "an alien, / a fabrication" underscores the deep reliance on the mother for a sense of belonging and authenticity. The final lines reveal the child’s hope that the security provided by the mother will prevent them from ever feeling empty or disconnected in the future.

"Mothers" is a beautiful meditation on the bond between mother and child, capturing the profound impact a mother’s love and care have on shaping a child’s identity and sense of security. Sexton’s use of vivid and tender imagery creates a portrait of motherhood that is both nurturing and essential, highlighting the deep emotional ties that define this relationship.

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