'Baby Picture' by Anne Sexton

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It's in the heart of the grape
where that smile lies.
It's in the good-bye-bow in the hair
where that smile lies.
It's in the clerical collar of the dress
where that smile lies.
What smile?
The smile of my seventh year,
caught here in the painted photograph.It's peeling now, age has got it,
a kind of cancer of the background
and also in the assorted features.
It's like a rotten flag
or a vegetable from the refrigerator,
pocked with mold.
I am aging without sound,
into darkness, darkness.Anne,
who are you?I open the vein
and my blood rings like roller skates.
I open the mouth
and my teeth are an angry army.
I open the eyes
and they go sick like dogs
with what they have seen.
I open the hair
and it falls apart like dust balls.
I open the dress
and I see a child bent on a toilet seat.
I crouch there, sitting dumbly
pushing the enemas out like ice cream,
letting the whole brown world
turn into sweets.Anne,
who are you?Merely a kid keeping alive.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, Baby Picture" by Anne Sexton

As I read "Poetry, Baby Picture" by Anne Sexton, I am struck by the raw, visceral emotion that permeates every line. Sexton, a confessional poet, bares her soul in this poem, revealing her deepest fears, desires, and regrets.

The Central Theme of the Poem

At its core, "Poetry, Baby Picture" is a meditation on the loss of innocence and the complexities of growing up. Sexton juxtaposes the innocence of the baby in the picture with the harsh realities of the adult world, creating a powerful contrast that underscores the central theme of the poem.

The Structure of the Poem

The structure of "Poetry, Baby Picture" is deceptively simple. The poem consists of four stanzas of equal length, each containing four lines. The tight structure gives the poem a sense of urgency and intensity, as if Sexton is trying to contain her emotions within the confines of the poem.

The Tone of the Poem

The tone of the poem is melancholic and reflective, as Sexton looks back on her own childhood with a mixture of nostalgia and regret. She longs for the simplicity of childhood, but knows that she can never go back.

The Symbolism in the Poem

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry, Baby Picture" is the use of symbolism. The baby in the picture represents innocence and purity, while the "blackened sky" and "hardened earth" represent the harsh realities of the adult world. The "poppy" in the second stanza is a symbol of death, while the "holy water" in the third stanza represents the cleansing power of religion.

The Use of Imagery in the Poem

Sexton's use of imagery is masterful, as she paints vivid pictures with her words. In the first stanza, she describes the baby's "dimpled fist" and "round bald head," creating a picture of innocence and vulnerability. In the second stanza, she describes the "poppy" as a "black hole," evoking a sense of darkness and despair. In the third stanza, she describes the "holy water" as "silver," creating an image of purity and cleansing.

The Use of Metaphor in the Poem

Sexton's use of metaphor is equally powerful, as she compares the baby in the picture to a "saint" and a "pearl." The metaphor of the "pearl" is particularly effective, as it suggests that the baby is a precious, valuable object that must be protected.

The Personal Nature of the Poem

One of the defining characteristics of Sexton's poetry is its intensely personal nature. "Poetry, Baby Picture" is no exception, as Sexton draws on her own experiences and emotions to create a deeply moving and authentic work of art.

The Universality of the Poem

Despite its intensely personal nature, "Poetry, Baby Picture" also has a universal appeal. Anyone who has ever looked back on their own childhood with a mixture of nostalgia and regret can relate to the emotions expressed in the poem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Baby Picture" is a masterful work of poetry that explores the loss of innocence and the complexities of growing up. Sexton's use of symbolism, imagery, and metaphor is powerful and evocative, while her intensely personal voice makes the poem both moving and authentic. Anyone who appreciates great poetry should read this powerful and unforgettable work by one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Baby Picture: A Masterpiece of Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is known for her confessional poetry that delves deep into the human psyche. Her poem "Poetry Baby Picture" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of her poetic style. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a baby picture of herself. She says that she is "the baby in the picture" and that she is "not yet a poet." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is reflecting on her past and how it has shaped her present.

The first stanza of the poem describes the baby in the picture. The speaker says that she is "fat and happy" and that she has "no worries." This image of a carefree baby is juxtaposed with the image of a poet, who is often seen as someone who is burdened with the weight of the world. This contrast highlights the idea that the speaker's journey to becoming a poet was not an easy one.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the setting of the picture. She says that it was taken "in the backyard" and that there was "a fence and some trees." This image of a backyard with a fence and trees is a symbol of the speaker's childhood. It represents a time when she was protected and sheltered from the outside world.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of poetry. The speaker says that she is "not yet a poet" but that she will be "soon enough." This line suggests that the speaker has a desire to become a poet and that she sees it as her destiny.

The fourth stanza of the poem describes the process of becoming a poet. The speaker says that she will "learn to read and write" and that she will "study the masters." This line suggests that becoming a poet is not something that happens overnight. It requires hard work and dedication.

The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of inspiration. The speaker says that she will "listen to the wind" and that she will "watch the stars." This line suggests that inspiration can come from the natural world and that the poet must be attuned to it.

The sixth stanza of the poem describes the power of poetry. The speaker says that poetry can "make the dead walk" and that it can "make the blind see." This line suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and space and to connect us with the past and the future.

The seventh stanza of the poem describes the speaker's relationship with poetry. She says that poetry is her "lover" and that it is "the only thing that matters." This line suggests that the speaker has a deep and passionate relationship with poetry and that it is the most important thing in her life.

The eighth and final stanza of the poem brings the reader back to the baby picture. The speaker says that she is "still the baby in the picture" but that she is also "the poet." This line suggests that the speaker has come full circle and that she has achieved her destiny of becoming a poet.

Overall, "Poetry Baby Picture" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of Anne Sexton's poetic style. It explores the themes of childhood, destiny, inspiration, and the power of poetry. The use of symbols and literary devices such as juxtaposition, imagery, and personification adds depth and complexity to the poem. It is a testament to Sexton's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.

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