Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Kay Ryan’s "Polish and Balm" is a tender and contemplative reflection on the relationship between people and the objects they cherish, exploring the way love imbues meaning into everyday things. Through her precise and understated language, Ryan meditates on loss, abandonment, and the unexpected vitality of connection—not only between people but between individuals and the material world they inhabit.

The poem begins with an observation that feels both literal and metaphorical: "Dust develops / from inside / as well as / on top when / objects stop / being used." This opening introduces the theme of neglect and decay. Dust, a natural byproduct of time and disuse, becomes a symbol of abandonment, suggesting that objects, like relationships, deteriorate in absence. The phrase "from inside" adds a layer of poignancy, implying that the harm caused by disuse is not merely external but also internal. Ryan’s language invites readers to think about the unseen consequences of neglect—not just the visible accumulation of dust but the deeper sense of loss that occurs when something ceases to serve a purpose.

The poem shifts to a stark truth: "No unguent / can soothe / the chap of / abandonment." Here, Ryan employs the imagery of cracked skin to evoke the irreparable harm caused by neglect. The word "chap" conveys a rawness, a sense of damage that is both physical and emotional. The idea that "no unguent"—no ointment or balm—can heal this wound underscores the permanence of abandonment. This line serves as a quiet lament for the inevitable erosion that comes with disconnection, whether it is the abandonment of objects, relationships, or even one’s past.

Ryan then turns her focus to the restorative power of presence: "Who knew / the polish / and balm in / a person’s / simple passage / among her things." This revelation captures the idea that a person’s daily interaction with their belongings—moving among them, using them, caring for them—imbues them with life and meaning. The metaphor of "polish and balm" suggests that love and attention, even in their simplest forms, have the power to preserve and nurture. The word "passage" evokes both physical movement and the passage of time, highlighting the intimacy of routine actions that often go unnoticed. Ryan’s tone here is gentle and elegiac, as though marveling at the quiet, unnoticed power of love to sustain even the most mundane elements of life.

The final lines deliver a bittersweet realization: "We knew she / loved them / but not what / love means." These closing words reflect on the gap between surface-level understanding and the deeper significance of love. While observers might recognize that someone cared for their possessions, they may fail to grasp the profound connection between a person and the things they use and cherish. The statement "not what / love means" suggests that love is not merely about affection or utility but about the act of giving life and meaning through care and presence. This realization carries an air of regret, as though acknowledging the missed opportunity to fully appreciate the depth of this love while it was still active.

Structurally, the poem is composed of short, enjambed lines that create a sense of movement and reflection. The fragmented rhythm mirrors the piecemeal process of understanding, as though the speaker is slowly piecing together the significance of what has been lost. The lack of punctuation contributes to the poem’s fluidity, allowing thoughts to flow seamlessly into one another, much like the gradual accumulation of dust or the quiet, unnoticed passage of time.

"Polish and Balm" is ultimately a meditation on presence, care, and the quiet ways love manifests in the material world. Ryan’s exploration of dust, neglect, and restoration invites readers to consider how relationships—with both people and objects—are sustained through attention and use. The poem underscores the fragility of these connections, reminding us that love, even in its smallest gestures, carries immense meaning.

Ryan’s ability to transform simple observations into profound insights is on full display here. The poem resonates as both a tribute to the unspoken power of love and a lament for its absence, leaving readers with a heightened awareness of the care required to sustain not just relationships but the things we surround ourselves with. "Polish and Balm" captures the quiet tragedy of neglect and the enduring beauty of presence, offering a deeply moving reflection on what it means to love.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...