Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy’s poem “Story Wet as Tears” is a contemporary reimagining of the classic fairy tale of the princess and the frog, transforming it into a poignant commentary on the disillusionment that can follow romantic idealism. Through a blend of humor and sadness, Piercy captures the evolution of a relationship from its enchanted beginnings to its disheartening reality.

The poem opens with a reference to the well-known story: “Remember the princess who kissed the frog / so he became a prince?” This question immediately sets the stage for a narrative that both evokes and subverts traditional fairy tale tropes. The initial transformation, marked by joy and celebration, depicts the honeymoon phase of a relationship: “At first they danced / all weekend, toasted each other in the morning / with coffee, with champagne at night / and always with kisses.” The repetition of celebratory acts—dancing, toasting, and kissing—emphasizes the couple's early happiness and the intoxicating nature of new love.

However, the poem quickly shifts to the challenges that arise as time passes. By the end of the first year, the princess begins to notice a change in her prince: “she noticed he had become cold / with her. She had to sleep / with heating pad and down comforter.” This physical coldness symbolizes emotional distance, suggesting that the warmth and affection of the early days are fading. The prince’s “increasingly chilly / and damp” demeanor when the princess enters a room underscores this growing estrangement.

As the years progress, the prince becomes more engrossed in his own interests—“water sports, / hydroponics, working on his insect / collection”—activities that draw him further away from the princess. These pursuits, particularly the focus on water and insects, subtly allude to his underlying nature as a frog, hinting at the inevitable return to his original form.

The princess’s concern and confusion culminate in the third year when she notices a physical change in the prince: “My dearest, / are you taking your vitamins daily, / you look quite green.” His response, leaping away from her, signifies a further retreat into his true identity. This moment foreshadows the complete transformation that will soon follow.

The climax of the poem arrives on their fifth anniversary when the princess, desperate for clarity, confronts the prince: “My precious, don’t you love me any / more?” His response, “Ribbit. Ribbit,” confirms her worst fears. The simplicity and absurdity of his reply starkly contrast with the gravity of her question, highlighting the tragicomic nature of the situation.

The final lines of the poem deliver a bittersweet moral: “Though courtship turns frogs into princes, / marriage turns them quietly back.” This conclusion serves as a reversal of the fairy tale’s promise, suggesting that the enchantment of courtship is often unsustainable in the long term. The phrase “quietly back” implies a gradual, almost unnoticed return to the initial state, emphasizing the subtle yet pervasive disillusionment that can occur in relationships.

Piercy’s use of straightforward, almost conversational language enhances the accessibility and relatability of the poem. The blending of fairy tale elements with contemporary relationship dynamics allows readers to reflect on their own experiences of love, idealism, and reality.

In summary, “Story Wet as Tears” by Marge Piercy is a poignant and insightful reinterpretation of a classic fairy tale, exploring the disillusionment that can accompany romantic relationships. Through vivid imagery and a blend of humor and sadness, Piercy captures the journey from enchantment to disenchantment, ultimately offering a sobering commentary on the nature of love and the challenges of sustaining it. The poem’s relatable narrative and emotional depth create a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of human relationships.

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