Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's poem "The Tao of Touch" is an evocative exploration of the profound impact and essential nature of touch in human experience. Through poignant imagery and reflective narrative, Piercy delves into the myriad ways touch influences our emotional and physical well-being, from infancy to old age, highlighting its role in communication, comfort, and connection.

The poem opens with a contemplation of the intrinsic magic of touch: "What magic does touch create / that we crave it so. That babies / do not thrive without it." Here, Piercy underscores the fundamental necessity of touch, especially for infants, whose survival and development depend on physical contact. This establishes touch as a primal need, deeply rooted in human biology and psychology.

Piercy then recounts a poignant observation from a nurse who attends to the elderly: "the nurse who cuts tough nails / and sands calluses on the elderly / tells me sometimes men weep / as she rubs lotion on their feet." This image captures the profound emotional response that can be elicited by a simple, caring touch, especially in individuals who may be starved for physical contact. The tears of the elderly men suggest a release of pent-up emotions and a deep appreciation for the compassionate gesture.

The poem contrasts this positive, nurturing touch with the invasive and unwelcome touch of strangers: "Yet the touch of a stranger / the bumping or predatory thrust / in the subway is like a slap." Piercy highlights the dual nature of touch—while it can be a source of comfort and connection, it can also be a violation when unwanted. This juxtaposition emphasizes the importance of context and intention in the experience of touch.

The longing for familiar and loving touch is vividly expressed: "We long for the familiar, the open / palm of love, its tender fingers." This line evokes the warmth and safety associated with loving touch, contrasting sharply with the earlier mention of unwanted physical contact. Piercy asserts that it is through touch, not just sustenance, that humans have formed deep bonds, such as taming cats into pets: "It is our hands that tamed cats / into pets, not our food."

The poem poignantly captures the despair of a widow reflecting on her loss: "The widow looks in the mirror / thinking, no one will ever touch / me again, never." The widow's thoughts reveal a deep sense of isolation and the fear of never again experiencing the intimacy and affirmation that comes from being touched. Her musings—"Do I still live / if no one knows my body?"—underscore the existential crisis that can accompany the loss of physical connection, suggesting that touch is integral to one's sense of identity and existence.

Piercy expands on the various functions of touch: "We touch each other so many / ways, in curiosity, in anger, / to command attention, to soothe, / to quiet, to rouse, to cure." This enumeration illustrates the versatility and ubiquity of touch in human interactions, reinforcing its role as a fundamental aspect of communication and emotional expression.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the lifecycle of touch: "Touch is our first language / and often, our last as the breath / ebbs and a hand closes our eyes." These lines encapsulate the idea that touch bookends our lives, from the nurturing caress of infancy to the final, tender gesture at death. This closing imagery reinforces the theme of touch as an essential, enduring element of the human experience.

"The Tao of Touch" by Marge Piercy is a powerful meditation on the significance of touch in our lives. Through rich, evocative language and poignant reflections, Piercy captures the profound emotional and psychological impact of physical contact, highlighting its necessity for human connection and well-being. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of touch in fostering intimacy, providing comfort, and affirming our existence.

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