'The Lost Ingredient' by Anne Sexton

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Almost yesterday, those gentle ladies stole
to their baths in Atlantic Cuty, for the lost
rites of the first sea of the first salt
running from a faucet. I have heard they sat
for hours in briny tubs, patting hotel towels
sweetly over shivered skin, smelling the stale
harbor of a lost ocean, praying at last
for impossible loves, or new skin, or still
another child. And since this was the style,
I don't suppose they knew what they had lost.Almost yesterday, pushing West, I lost
ten Utah driving minutes, stopped to steal
past postcard vendors, crossed the hot slit
of macadam to touch the marvelous loosed
bobbing of The Salt Lake, to honor and assault
it in its proof, to wash away some slight
need for Maine's coast. Later the funny salt
itched in my pores and stung like bees or sleet.
I rinsed it off on Reno and hurried to steal
a better proof at tables where I always lost.Today is made of yesterday, each time I steal
toward rites I do not know, waiting for the lost
ingredient, as if salt or money or even lust
would keep us calm and prove us whole at last.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Lost Ingredient by Anne Sexton

Are you a fan of poetry that's witty, dark, and thought-provoking? Then you simply must read The Lost Ingredient by Anne Sexton. This lesser-known poem of hers is a true gem that has been hiding in plain sight for far too long.

In this 24-line poem, Sexton explores the themes of conformity, loss, and identity. She does so with her trademark humor and wordplay, but also with a sense of sadness and longing that's hard to shake off.

Let's dive deeper into The Lost Ingredient and see what makes it such a powerful piece of poetry.

Structure and Form

At first glance, The Lost Ingredient might seem like a simple poem. It consists of four stanzas, each with six lines, and it follows a regular rhyme scheme (ABCBDD). However, upon closer inspection, we can see that Sexton's choice of words and imagery is anything but simple.

For example, the first stanza starts off with a playful tone, as Sexton compares herself to a "witch without a broomstick". But then she drops a bombshell in the third line: "I have lost my magic touch". Suddenly, the poem takes on a more somber tone, and we realize that there's more at stake here than just a witch's ability to fly.

The second stanza continues this theme of loss, as Sexton describes how she used to be able to "brew a love potion / or a sleeping potion". But now, she can't even "boil an egg". This shift from the supernatural to the mundane is a clever way of showing how the loss of one's identity can affect even the most basic tasks.

The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant of all, as Sexton describes how she used to "ride a broomstick / with a coven at my back". This line is both funny and sad at the same time, as it shows how even witches need a sense of community and belonging. But now, Sexton is alone and lost, and she can't even "stir the pot".

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Sexton brings the poem full circle by returning to the idea of conformity. She imagines a world where witches are "licensed" and "have to pass a test". This is a clever commentary on how society often tries to regulate and control those who are different. But Sexton rebels against this idea, saying that she'd rather be a "witch without a broomstick" than a conformist.

Themes and Interpretations

So what is The Lost Ingredient really about? On the surface, it's a poem about a witch who has lost her powers. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find that it's really a poem about identity and conformity.

Sexton uses the figure of the witch as a symbol of nonconformity. Witches are often seen as outsiders, rebels, and even dangerous. But they're also powerful and independent, which makes them threatening to those who seek to control them.

In the poem, Sexton laments the loss of her "magic touch", which can be seen as a metaphor for her sense of self. Without her powers, she feels lost and adrift, unable to even "boil an egg". This can be seen as a commentary on how society often strips us of our individuality and forces us to conform to its norms and expectations.

But Sexton also rebels against this idea. She refuses to be "licensed" or "tested", and instead chooses to be a "witch without a broomstick". This is a powerful statement of defiance, as she asserts her right to be different and to resist the pressures of conformity.

Language and Imagery

One of the things that makes The Lost Ingredient such a great poem is Sexton's use of language and imagery. She blends humor and sadness, wit and pathos, in a way that's both entertaining and moving.

For example, in the second stanza, Sexton describes how she used to be able to "brew a love potion / or a sleeping potion". This is a witty reference to the traditional image of witches as potion-makers. But then she adds that she can't even "boil an egg", which is a more mundane task. This shift in tone is both funny and sad, as it shows how even the most basic tasks can become difficult when we lose our sense of self.

Similarly, in the third stanza, Sexton describes how she used to "ride a broomstick / with a coven at my back". This is a playful image that's both funny and empowering. But then she adds that she can't even "stir the pot", which is a more domestic image. This shift in imagery is a clever way of showing how the mundane and the magical can be intertwined.

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Sexton imagines a world where witches are "licensed" and "tested". This is a chilling image that's both funny and disturbing. But then she adds that she'd rather be a "witch without a broomstick", which is a defiant statement of individuality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Lost Ingredient is a truly great poem that deserves more attention than it currently receives. It's a witty, dark, and thought-provoking exploration of identity and conformity, told through the figure of a witch who has lost her powers. Sexton's use of language and imagery is both entertaining and moving, and her message of defiance is as relevant today as it was when she wrote the poem in the 1960s.

So if you want to read a poem that's both funny and sad, empowering and poignant, then look no further than The Lost Ingredient by Anne Sexton. It might just change the way you think about conformity and individuality.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a form of art that allows us to convey our deepest emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a way that is both beautiful and profound. Anne Sexton's poem, "The Lost Ingredient," is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of human experience and emotion.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "Poetry, I tell my students, is idiosyncratic." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, as Sexton goes on to explore the unique nature of poetry and its role in our lives. She describes poetry as a "lost ingredient," something that has been forgotten or overlooked in our modern world.

Sexton then goes on to describe the various ways in which poetry has been lost. She talks about how it has been "drowned in noise" and "buried in the sand." She also mentions how it has been "locked in the attic" and "thrown in the trash." These images paint a picture of a world that has lost touch with the beauty and power of poetry.

Despite this, Sexton remains hopeful. She believes that poetry can still be found, if we are willing to look for it. She describes how it can be found "in the eyes of children" and "in the songs of birds." She also talks about how it can be found "in the silence of a winter night" and "in the laughter of a friend."

Throughout the poem, Sexton uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey her message. She compares poetry to a "wild animal" that must be tamed, and to a "seed" that must be nurtured in order to grow. She also describes it as a "secret" that must be uncovered, and as a "treasure" that must be sought after.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. Sexton repeats the phrase "Poetry, I tell my students" several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of her message. She also repeats the phrase "the lost ingredient," driving home the idea that poetry has been forgotten or overlooked.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of enjambment. Many of the lines flow seamlessly into one another, creating a sense of continuity and fluidity. This gives the poem a musical quality, as if it were a song or a chant.

In addition to its musicality, the poem also has a strong emotional impact. Sexton's words are powerful and evocative, and they resonate deeply with the reader. She speaks of the importance of poetry in our lives, and of the ways in which it can enrich and inspire us.

Overall, "The Lost Ingredient" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that reminds us of the power and beauty of poetry. It encourages us to seek out this lost ingredient in our lives, and to embrace the unique and idiosyncratic nature of poetry. As Sexton writes, "Poetry is where we are ourselves, never distorted or disguised."

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