Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Hair" by Martha Collins is a nuanced, multi-layered poem that weaves together themes of intimacy, desire, loss, and identity through the central motif of hair. Each section of the poem explores different facets of human relationships, using the acts of cutting, waiting, and touching hair as metaphors for the complexities of connection and separation, communication and miscommunication, presence and absence.

1. The poem begins with a scene of anticipation and preparation, as the speaker keeps an appointment where "his fingers [are] quick / in my hair." This moment of personal care and attention sets the tone for the exploration of intimacy and the trust placed in another's hands.

2. The speaker's request for "Less," which paradoxically means "More," introduces the theme of communication and the difficulty of articulating desires accurately. This interaction highlights the subtleties of language and the negotiations inherent in close relationships.

3. The third section delves into the precision and potential danger of scissors, symbols of decision and separation. The careful dance of the scissors—meeting, closing, but not crossing—mirrors the delicate balance of maintaining individuality within a relationship. The fear of going "too far" or the risk posed by "the point" speaks to the vulnerability experienced in moments of change or intimacy.

4. The imagery shifts to a reflection on a different kind of closeness, where "our legs cross / like scissors but do not cut." This metaphor for a relationship that respects boundaries while allowing for closeness underscores the poem's exploration of how individuals navigate space and intimacy, "singular, plural as love, love."

5. A turn towards waiting and unfulfilled desire marks the fifth section, where the speaker endures "as long as I could." This passage examines the act of waiting as a form of loving, yet ultimately concludes in a recognition of waiting for "nothing," suggesting the pain of unreciprocated or unrealized love.

6. The final section culminates in an act of creation, as "My fingers are making space / in her hair." This tactile interaction becomes a metaphor for the nurturing and shaping of a relationship, with "ribbons / of space, rivers of air" evoking a sense of freedom and growth. The reference to "pussy willows / she brought me" bursting "with her, the shape / of her there" celebrates the presence and essence of the loved one, capturing the intimacy and profound connection that can exist between individuals.

"Hair" is a deeply contemplative poem that invites readers to consider the ways in which love, desire, and identity are expressed, negotiated, and remembered through the physical and metaphorical spaces we share with others. Through its intimate vignettes and evocative imagery, Collins crafts a narrative that resonates with the universal experiences of longing, connection, and the search for understanding within the complexities of human relationships.

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