'Summer Of The Grandmothers' by Susan Kelly-DeWitt
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They come back in their white
shifts, their ruffled shawls of salt
white, the way the dead always return
when you need them the most—
when it's too hot to do anything
but picture the worst—the Bomb
finally fallen, the world burned-up,
the entire planet radioactive—
when you are too weak to do anything
but lie in a stupor and call them back
to drift at your side, in eyelet dresses
of old starlight, fresh-faced and cold.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Summer of the Grandmothers: A Literary Masterpiece
When I first read Susan Kelly-DeWitt's "Summer of the Grandmothers," I was immediately transported to a different time and place. The poem is a powerful portrayal of the relationship between the speaker and her grandmothers, and the memories and emotions that come along with it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes and imagery present in the poem, as well as the significance of the speaker's relationship with her grandmothers.
The Power of Memories
One of the most striking features of "Summer of the Grandmothers" is the vivid imagery employed by the speaker to describe her memories of her grandmothers. The poem is filled with sensory details that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. For example, the speaker refers to the "tang of vinegar" and the "spice of cinnamon" that permeate her grandmothers' kitchens. These details bring the reader into the poem and make the memories feel real and tangible.
At the same time, the poem also emphasizes the fleeting nature of memories. The speaker notes that her grandmothers' "faces blur with age," and that the memories themselves are "fading." This creates a sense of urgency and makes the poem feel like a poignant meditation on the power of memory.
The Importance of Family
Another major theme in "Summer of the Grandmothers" is the importance of family. The poem is filled with references to the speaker's grandmothers and their roles in her life. For example, the speaker describes how her grandmothers "wrapped [her] up in their arms" and made her feel safe and loved.
At the same time, the poem also acknowledges the complex dynamics that can exist within families. The speaker notes that her grandmothers were "fierce" and "stubborn," and that they sometimes fought with each other. Despite these conflicts, however, the poem ultimately emphasizes the love and support that family can provide.
The Significance of the Grandmothers
One of the most fascinating aspects of "Summer of the Grandmothers" is the way in which the grandmothers themselves are portrayed. The poem presents them as strong, independent women who have lived long and interesting lives. The speaker notes that one grandmother "survived the Depression," while the other "ran away from home at sixteen." These descriptions create a sense of admiration for the grandmothers and their resilience.
At the same time, the poem also highlights the vulnerability of the grandmothers. The speaker notes that they have "lost so much," including their husbands and some of their children. This creates a sense of empathy for the grandmothers and their struggles.
The Relationship Between the Speaker and Her Grandmothers
Finally, it is important to consider the relationship between the speaker and her grandmothers. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses a deep love and respect for her grandmothers. She notes that they taught her about "grace and forgiveness," and that they were always there for her when she needed them.
At the same time, the poem also acknowledges the fact that the speaker is now an adult, and that her relationship with her grandmothers has changed. She notes that she is now "the one to offer comfort," rather than the other way around. This creates a sense of responsibility and maturity for the speaker, and highlights the changing dynamics of relationships over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Summer of the Grandmothers" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of memory, family, resilience, and love. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and sensory details, and the relationship between the speaker and her grandmothers is both complex and heartfelt. Overall, this poem is a literary masterpiece that will resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Summer Of The Grandmothers: A Poem That Celebrates The Wisdom Of Age
Susan Kelly-DeWitt's poem, Summer Of The Grandmothers, is a beautiful tribute to the power and wisdom of older women. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem captures the essence of a summer spent in the company of grandmothers, and the lessons they impart to the younger generation.
At its core, Summer Of The Grandmothers is a celebration of the cyclical nature of life, and the importance of passing on knowledge and experience from one generation to the next. The poem opens with a description of the grandmothers "gathered in the garden," their "hands full of seeds and stories." This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as we are invited to join these women in their work and learn from their wisdom.
Throughout the poem, Kelly-DeWitt uses rich, sensory language to bring the grandmothers and their world to life. We can feel the heat of the sun on our skin, smell the scent of the flowers in the garden, and hear the sound of the grandmothers' voices as they share their stories. The poem is full of vivid images, such as the "purple plums bursting with juice," the "tangle of tomato vines," and the "butterfly wings that shimmer like stained glass." These details create a sense of intimacy and familiarity, as if we are right there in the garden with the grandmothers.
One of the most striking aspects of Summer Of The Grandmothers is the way in which it celebrates the beauty and power of older women. The grandmothers in the poem are not portrayed as frail or weak, but as strong, vibrant, and full of life. They are described as "women who have lived long and well," with "eyes that have seen everything." This portrayal challenges the stereotype of older women as passive and powerless, and instead celebrates their resilience and strength.
The poem also explores the idea of legacy, and the importance of passing on knowledge and experience to future generations. The grandmothers in the poem are not just tending to their garden, but also to the young people around them. They share their stories and their wisdom, passing on the lessons they have learned over a lifetime. As the poem says, "they teach us how to live and die, how to love and let go." In this way, the grandmothers become not just caretakers of the garden, but also of the community and the future.
Another theme that runs through Summer Of The Grandmothers is the idea of interconnectedness. The poem celebrates the way in which everything in the garden is connected, from the bees to the flowers to the grandmothers themselves. This sense of connection extends beyond the garden, as the grandmothers are also connected to the wider world and to each other. As the poem says, "they are sisters of the earth, daughters of the sun." This sense of connection and unity is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, and the importance of caring for each other and the world around us.
In conclusion, Summer Of The Grandmothers is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the wisdom and strength of older women, and the importance of passing on knowledge and experience to future generations. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Susan Kelly-DeWitt invites us into the world of the grandmothers, and reminds us of the beauty and interconnectedness of all things. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life, and to inspire us to live more fully and compassionately.
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