Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's "For Strong Women" offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of what it means to be a strong woman, challenging traditional notions of strength while emphasizing the complexity and depth of female resilience. Through vivid imagery and compelling metaphors, Piercy reveals the often hidden struggles and vulnerabilities that underpin true strength.

The poem begins with the assertion that "a strong woman is a woman who is straining," immediately setting the tone for an examination of the continuous effort required to maintain strength. Piercy likens a strong woman to someone "standing on tiptoe and lifting a barbell while trying to sing 'Boris Godunov.'" This striking image encapsulates the dual demands placed on strong women: the physical and emotional labor, combined with societal expectations to perform and maintain composure.

Piercy continues to describe the everyday toil of strong women, who are "cleaning out the cesspool of the ages" while managing to discuss their vulnerabilities. The poet's reference to crying and throwing up as means to develop resilience highlights the paradoxical nature of strength. Tears and physical discomfort, often seen as signs of weakness, are here reclaimed as integral to the process of becoming strong.

The internal struggles of strong women are further illustrated through the relentless, critical voices in their heads: "I told you so, ugly, bad girl, bitch, nag, shrill, witch, ballbuster, nobody will ever love you back." These voices represent the societal pressures and negative self-talk that many women endure, questioning their worth and femininity. Piercy poignantly captures the emotional toll of these internalized messages, which constantly challenge a woman's sense of self and strength.

A strong woman, according to Piercy, is also "determined to do something others are determined not be done." This determination is likened to pushing against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, such as "a lead coffin lid" or "a manhole cover with her head." The imagery of physical pain and exhaustion—"her head hurts," "her teeth loosen," "her back throbs"—underscores the relentless perseverance required to break through societal barriers and achieve what is deemed impossible.

Despite the physical and emotional pain, a strong woman continues to strive, embodying both strength and vulnerability. Piercy describes her as "a mass of scar tissue that aches when it rains," highlighting the enduring impact of past struggles and the ongoing sensitivity to new challenges. This line evokes the idea that strength is not about being invincible but about enduring and healing from wounds, even as they continue to ache.

Piercy also addresses the deep emotional needs of strong women, who "crave love like oxygen" and "weep strongly." This acknowledgment of the necessity for love and connection contrasts with the traditional view of strength as solitary and self-sufficient. Instead, Piercy argues that true strength includes the ability to love deeply and to feel fear intensely. The strength of a woman is not akin to the immobility of a stone but rather the nurturing power of "a wolf suckling her young." This comparison emphasizes the dynamic, life-giving aspect of feminine strength.

The poet concludes by affirming that "strength is not in her, but she enacts it as the wind fills a sail." This metaphor beautifully captures the idea that strength is not an inherent, static quality but something that is enacted and sustained through connection and support from others. The final lines suggest that collective strength—"strong is what we make each other"—is essential for individual resilience. Until this collective strength is achieved, a strong woman remains "strongly afraid," underscoring the ongoing tension between strength and vulnerability.

"For Strong Women" is a powerful meditation on the nature of strength, challenging simplistic and traditional views while celebrating the complexity of women's resilience. Through her rich and evocative language, Piercy honors the enduring struggles and the profound capacities for love, connection, and perseverance that define true strength. The poem invites readers to rethink their understanding of what it means to be strong and to recognize the vital importance of mutual support and solidarity in fostering resilience.

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