Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anne Sexton's poem "Words" is a meditation on the power, beauty, and fragility of language. In this reflective piece, Sexton delves into the dual nature of words, exploring how they can be both miraculous and dangerous, tender and destructive. Through rich, metaphorical language, she captures the deep love and frustration that comes with the act of writing, highlighting the delicate balance required to wield words effectively.

The poem opens with a cautionary note: "Be careful of words, / even the miraculous ones." This warning sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that words, despite their potential for beauty and transcendence, must be approached with caution. The phrase "even the miraculous ones" implies that even words that seem extraordinary or inspired carry a certain risk, as they can be unpredictable and powerful in ways that might not always be intended or understood.

Sexton acknowledges the effort that goes into using words: "For the miraculous we do our best," indicating that capturing the miraculous in language is a challenging task that demands care and attention. Yet, she also recognizes that words can sometimes "swarm like insects and leave not a sting but a kiss." This imagery conveys the idea that words, like insects, can be overwhelming and numerous, but they can also be gentle and comforting. The contrast between a sting and a kiss highlights the dual nature of words—they can harm, but they can also heal.

The comparison of words to "fingers" and "the rock / you stick your bottom on" suggests that words can be as tangible and reliable as physical objects. Fingers, which are essential for touch and connection, symbolize the ability of words to reach out and connect with others. The rock, a symbol of stability and grounding, represents how words can provide a foundation or a sense of security. However, Sexton quickly follows this with the acknowledgement that words can also be "both daisies and bruises." This juxtaposition of softness and pain emphasizes that words have the power to uplift and inspire, but also to wound and leave lasting marks.

Despite these complexities, the speaker declares, "Yet I am in love with words." This love is evident in the vivid and imaginative descriptions that follow: "They are doves falling out of the ceiling. / They are six holy oranges sitting in my lap. / They are the trees, the legs of summer, / and the sun, its passionate face." In these lines, words are portrayed as living, breathing entities that have the capacity to evoke beauty, comfort, and warmth. The image of "doves falling out of the ceiling" suggests a sense of surprise and grace, while "six holy oranges" evoke a feeling of sacredness and abundance. The metaphor of words as "the legs of summer" and "the sun, its passionate face" further underscores their ability to capture the essence of life and emotion.

However, Sexton also acknowledges the limitations of language: "Yet often they fail me. / I have so much I want to say, / so many stories, images, proverbs, etc. / But the words aren't good enough, / the wrong ones kiss me." This admission of failure reflects the frustration that many writers experience—the struggle to find the right words to fully express their thoughts and feelings. The phrase "the wrong ones kiss me" conveys a sense of betrayal or disappointment, as if the words that come to the speaker are inadequate or misplaced, despite their initial allure.

The metaphor of flying "like an eagle / but with the wings of a wren" encapsulates the tension between aspiration and limitation. The speaker aspires to soar, to achieve greatness in expression, but is held back by the inadequacy of the tools at her disposal—the small, fragile wings of a wren. This image captures the gap between the grandeur of the ideas the speaker wishes to convey and the reality of the language available to her.

In the closing lines, Sexton returns to the theme of care and caution: "But I try to take care / and be gentle to them. / Words and eggs must be handled with care. / Once broken they are impossible / things to repair." Here, Sexton draws a parallel between words and eggs, both of which are delicate and easily damaged. The metaphor suggests that once words are spoken or written, they cannot be undone or easily mended, much like a broken egg. This final reflection emphasizes the responsibility that comes with using language, reminding the reader of the irreversible impact that words can have.

In "Words," Anne Sexton captures the intricate relationship between a writer and language. Through her exploration of the beauty, power, and fragility of words, she highlights the challenges and rewards of working with language, ultimately expressing both a deep reverence for and a cautious approach to the art of writing. The poem serves as a reminder of the careful balance required to use words effectively, and the lasting consequences they can carry.

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