'Earthworm' by Anne Sexton
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Slim inquirer, while the old fathers sleep
you are reworking their soil, you have
a grocery store there down under the earth
and it is well stocked with broken wine bottles,
old cigars, old door knobs and earth,
that great brown flour that you kiss each day.
There are dark stars in the cool evening and
you fondle them like killer birds' beaks.
But what I want to know is why when small boys
dig you up for curiosity and cut you in half
why each half lives and crawls away as if whole.
Have you no beginning and end? Which heart is
the real one? Which eye the seer? Why
is it in the infinite plan that you would
be severed and rise from the dead like a gargoyle
with two heads?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Earthworm: A Critical Analysis
Anne Sexton's poem "Earthworm" is a haunting and powerful exploration of life, death, and the cycles of nature. Through vivid imagery and a masterful use of language, Sexton creates a deeply affecting portrait of the earthworm, a creature often overlooked and dismissed as insignificant.
Structure and Form
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with six lines. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the earthworm, the second expands upon the earthworm's role in the natural world, and the third brings the poem to a close with a meditation on the earthworm's ultimate fate.
The form of the poem is free verse, with no regular meter or rhyme scheme. This allows Sexton to experiment with language and create a more naturalistic, organic feel to the poem that mirrors the subject matter.
Imagery and Symbolism
One of the most striking elements of the poem is its use of imagery and symbolism. From the opening lines, Sexton paints a vivid picture of the earthworm, describing it as "the brown god / of our basement" and "the pink ribbon / in the weeping drain."
This metaphorical language imbues the earthworm with a sense of power and importance that might otherwise be overlooked. It suggests that the earthworm is not just a lowly, wriggling creature, but a vital part of the natural world, one that deserves our respect and attention.
Sexton also makes use of a number of other symbols throughout the poem. For instance, she compares the earthworm to "a small intestine" and "a stitch in time," suggesting that it is a vital part of the larger biological and temporal systems of the world.
Similarly, the image of the earthworm as a "pink ribbon" in the "weeping drain" creates a sense of vulnerability and fragility, as though the earthworm is a delicate thread in the fabric of life.
Themes
At its core, "Earthworm" is a meditation on the nature of life and death. Sexton seems to be suggesting that all living things are part of a larger cycle, one that includes birth, growth, decay, and eventual death.
The earthworm, in particular, embodies this cycle in a particularly poignant way. As Sexton writes, "it is the finger / of the night / that sets the worm / to churning up the soil."
Here, the earthworm is presented as a kind of agent of death and decay, one that helps to break down dead matter and return it to the earth. Yet at the same time, the earthworm is also a symbol of life and renewal, as it helps to aerate the soil and create the conditions for new growth.
Ultimately, Sexton seems to be suggesting that these cycles of life and death are not to be feared, but embraced. As she writes in the final lines of the poem, "we should all / be so brave / as to die / like worms."
This is a powerful and haunting message, one that challenges us to confront our own mortality and find beauty and meaning in the cycles of life and death that surround us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anne Sexton's "Earthworm" is a masterful work of poetry that explores profound themes of life, death, and the natural world. Through its vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and powerful language, the poem urges us to look beyond the surface of things and see the beauty and importance in even the smallest and seemingly most insignificant creatures.
More than that, it challenges us to embrace the cycles of life and death that surround us and find meaning and purpose in the natural world. In short, "Earthworm" is a poem that deserves to be read and reread, a testament to Sexton's skill as a poet and her deep understanding of the human condition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wondrous World of Anne Sexton's "Earthworm"
Anne Sexton's "Earthworm" is a poem that captures the essence of the natural world in a way that is both beautiful and haunting. The poem is a tribute to the earthworm, a creature that is often overlooked and dismissed as insignificant. However, Sexton's poem shows us that the earthworm is anything but insignificant. In fact, it is a vital part of the ecosystem, and its presence is essential for the survival of many other creatures.
The poem begins with a description of the earthworm's physical appearance. Sexton writes, "This is the earthworm. / He is small and blind and pink." This simple description sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a reminder that the earthworm is not a glamorous creature, but rather a humble one. However, as the poem progresses, Sexton shows us that there is much more to the earthworm than meets the eye.
The second stanza of the poem describes the earthworm's behavior. Sexton writes, "He is like a little blind finger / threading through the soil." This image is both beautiful and poignant. It reminds us that the earthworm is constantly working, even though we cannot see it. It is a reminder that there is always something happening beneath the surface of the earth, even if we are not aware of it.
The third stanza of the poem is where Sexton really begins to delve into the significance of the earthworm. She writes, "He eats earth. / He gets his living underground." This simple statement is incredibly powerful. It reminds us that the earthworm is not just a creature that exists in the soil, but rather one that is an integral part of it. The earthworm's presence helps to break down organic matter, which in turn helps to fertilize the soil. This process is essential for the growth of plants, which in turn provides food for many other creatures.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where Sexton really begins to explore the deeper meaning of the earthworm. She writes, "It is said that if you cut him in half / each half will grow into a new worm." This statement is both fascinating and unsettling. It reminds us that the earthworm is not just a creature, but rather a symbol of regeneration and renewal. It is a reminder that even when things seem hopeless, there is always the possibility of new growth and new life.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where Sexton really brings the poem full circle. She writes, "This is the earthworm. / He is small and blind and pink. / He is enigma to himself, / a symbol to others." This statement is a reminder that the earthworm is not just a creature, but rather a symbol of something greater. It is a reminder that even the smallest and most humble of creatures can have a profound impact on the world around them.
In conclusion, Anne Sexton's "Earthworm" is a poem that captures the beauty and significance of the natural world in a way that is both simple and profound. It is a reminder that even the smallest and most humble of creatures can have a profound impact on the world around them. It is a reminder that there is always something happening beneath the surface of the earth, even if we are not aware of it. And it is a reminder that even when things seem hopeless, there is always the possibility of new growth and new life.
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