Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost's "Day of the Body: 2. She Thinks of Love" delves into the intimate self-reflection of a woman contemplating her body and the nature of love. Through a rich tapestry of imagery and symbolism, the poem explores themes of self-awareness, femininity, and the juxtaposition of innocence and experience.

The poem begins with a desire for self-expression: "Wanting to suggest a wild and luxuriant soul and her dignity, she molds her body after Eve's." This line highlights the woman's intention to embody a sense of both untamed vitality and inherent grace. By invoking the figure of Eve, the poem connects her personal exploration to a broader mythological and archetypal context, symbolizing the beginning of human consciousness and the complexity of desire.

As she envisions herself "by a shaded brook; a dark purple road and green foreground, where she undresses," the setting becomes a place of natural beauty and tranquility, creating an intimate and secluded atmosphere for self-exploration. The "dark purple road" and "green foreground" add layers of vivid color and depth, suggesting a rich and fertile landscape both physically and metaphorically.

The act of undressing by the brook symbolizes a shedding of societal norms and a return to a more primal and authentic self. This mirrors the biblical Eve's innocence before the Fall. The poem then shifts to a more introspective moment: "She looks at her belly, then presses there with her hand open until she can press no more, and the ridges of fatty tissue between her fingers are just fat enough." This physical examination is tender and accepting, reflecting a deep, almost ritualistic, engagement with her own body. The description of her belly, with its "ridges of fatty tissue," acknowledges the natural imperfections and celebrates the reality of her physical form.

The poem takes a poignant turn as she, "like Eve, puts on her lips an ironic smile and lies down and thinks of love which means of someone she has seen." The "ironic smile" suggests a recognition of the complexities and contradictions inherent in love and desire. By lying down and thinking of love, she is contemplating not just a generic concept but a specific person, making her thoughts both deeply personal and universal.

This closing image of lying down evokes a sense of vulnerability and openness, while also hinting at the contemplative and introspective nature of her thoughts. The mention of "someone she has seen" adds a layer of specificity and realism to her reflections, grounding her thoughts in actual experience and memory.

"Day of the Body: 2. She Thinks of Love" by Carol Frost is a beautifully nuanced exploration of self-awareness, femininity, and the contemplative nature of love. Through its rich imagery and introspective tone, the poem invites readers to witness a moment of profound personal reflection, connecting the individual's experience to broader themes of human consciousness and desire. Frost's deft handling of mythological references and vivid sensory details creates a compelling meditation on the intersections of body, mind, and emotion.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Love_and_Scorn/asOTz7mTOdcC?q=&gbpv=1&bsq=DAY%20OF%20THE%20BODY#f=false

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...