Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Book of Days 27" by Martha Collins is an evocative poem that delicately explores themes of beauty, intimacy, and memory through the lens of personal and observed moments. Through precise, vivid imagery, Collins captures the essence of a woman's presence and the tangible objects that encapsulate her identity and elegance.

The poem begins with a straightforward yet profound declaration, "Beautiful is what she was," immediately setting the tone for a reflective and intimate exploration of the subject's beauty. This beauty is not just in her being but also in the objects and spaces she inhabits, as illustrated by the "Cut-glass bowls on her dressing table, mirror / above, hers." These items, with their intricate details and personal placement, serve as extensions of her persona, emblematic of the care and attention she devotes to her surroundings and, by extension, to herself.

The distinction between "hers" and "his" mirrors—a detail that subtly underscores the individuality and perhaps the distance within their shared life—adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The personal spaces and objects they each favor hint at their unique identities and the ways in which they both converge and diverge within their intimate space.

The imagery of the book's cover closing "on its flyleaf, her / name touches his" is particularly poignant, suggesting a connection that is both literal and metaphorical. Their names touching on the page symbolizes their relationship, a closeness that is intimate yet confined to the pages of their shared history, possibly hinting at moments that are past or at a connection that is preserved but no longer active.

Transitioning to a scene in Paris, the speaker describes drawing a cigarette "from the chalk-blue pack," a gesture that evokes a sense of casual elegance and self-assuredness. This scene shifts the focus from the remembered beauty of the woman to the speaker's own experience of reminiscence and observation. The detailed setting, with the "white cloth" and the act of watching, creates a bridge between past and present, between the woman's beauty and the speaker's current act of remembering and witnessing.

The concluding lines, focusing on the woman "touching herself, pearl / after pearl after pearl against / her skin, making sure," resonate with a sense of meticulous beauty and self-possession. This act of adorning oneself with pearls, each touch a confirmation of her elegance and worth, serves as a powerful image of beauty in action. The repetition of "pearl after pearl after pearl" emphasizes the deliberate and thoughtful nature of this ritual, highlighting the care with which she cultivates her appearance and, by extension, her identity.

"Book of Days 27" is a tender and nuanced portrayal of beauty, memory, and the intimate moments that define and reflect our identities. Collins's use of specific, resonant imagery invites readers into a moment of reflection, capturing the ephemeral beauty of a woman's presence and the lasting impression it leaves on those who remember her. Through its subtle exploration of personal and observed moments, the poem speaks to the universal themes of beauty, memory, and the ways in which we seek to preserve and understand the essence of those we cherish.

POEM TEXT: https://capa.conncoll.edu/collins.space.htm#DAYS

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...