The Profound Journey of Motherhood in Sharon Olds' Poetry

Sharon Olds, an American poet known for her frank and evocative style, delves deep into the complex world of motherhood through her poignant and thought-provoking poems. With unflinching honesty, she explores the transformative power of giving birth, the intricate bond between mother and child, and the myriad of emotions experienced along the journey of parenthood. Let us explore some of Olds' remarkable poems that beautifully capture the essence of motherhood.

1. "The Language of the Brag"

In "The Language of the Brag," Olds celebrates her son's milestones and achievements with an unabashed pride. She uses vivid imagery and bold metaphors to convey the intensity of her love for her child. The poem opens with the lines:

"I have wanted excellence in the knife-throw,
I have wanted to use my exceptionally strong and accurate arms
and my straight posture and quick electric muscles
to achieve something at the centre of a crowd,
the blade piercing the bark deep,
or, so as to go in with more control and certainty,
the blade piercing the heart, the liver, cleanly,
deep,
the first time, every time."

Through this powerful imagery, Olds portrays the depth of her desire to protect and guide her child through life's challenges, ensuring his success and happiness.

2. "The Possessive"

"The Possessive" explores the complex emotions experienced by a mother as she witnesses her child growing up and forging their own path in life. The poem captures the bittersweet realization that a child, once entirely dependent, is now asserting their independence. Olds writes:

"I had a little boy, I loved him, I would have
given my life for him—
but I was glad when he went into the white world
and out of my hands."

This poem beautifully encapsulates the paradoxical mix of emotions a mother feels as she grapples with the joy of seeing her child flourish while also acknowledging the accompanying sense of loss.

3. "The Planned Child"

"The Planned Child" explores the deeply personal decision of choosing to have a child. Olds dissects the complexities of this choice, examining the expectations and responsibilities attached to bringing a life into the world. She writes:

"The first word I spoke was mother or mama.
That makes me the mother of me,
it is the word that began me."

Through these lines, Olds emphasizes the fundamental role of motherhood in shaping one's identity, highlighting the profound impact that becoming a mother has on a person's sense of self.

4. "The Race"

In "The Race," Olds explores the notion of competition among mothers, subtly critiquing societal pressures and expectations placed upon them. She writes:

"There was a race of women—
strong
brave
intelligent."

Through these concise lines, Olds challenges the notion that motherhood is a competition, instead emphasizing the strength and resilience of all mothers, regardless of external judgments or comparisons.

Sharon Olds' poems about motherhood offer a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the profound journey of being a mother. Through her evocative language and vivid imagery, she captures the joys, struggles, and complexities of this transformative experience. Olds' poetry serves as a testament to the power of a mother's love, and her ability to navigate the intricacies of raising a child.