'Unknown Girl In A Maternity Ward' by Anne Sexton

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Child, the current of your breath is six days long.
You lie, a small knuckle on my white bed;
lie, fisted like a snail, so small and strong
at my breast. Your lips are animals; you are fed
with love. At first hunger is not wrong.
The nurses nod their caps; you are shepherded
down starch halls with the other unnested throng
in wheeling baskets. You tip like a cup; your head
moving to my touch. You sense the way we belong.
But this is an institution bed.
You will not know me very long.

The doctors are enamel. They want to know
the facts. They guess about the man who left me,
some pendulum soul, going the way men go
and leave you full of child. But our case history
stays blank. All I did was let you grow.
Now we are here for all the ward to see.
They thought I was strange, although
I never spoke a word. I burst empty of you,
letting you see how the air is so.
The doctors chart the riddle they ask of me
and I turn my head away. I do not know.

Yours is the only face I recognize.
Bone at my bone, you drink my answers in.
Six times a day I prize
your need, the animals of your lips, your skin
growing warm and plump. I see your eyes
lifting their tents. They are blue stones, they begin
to outgrow their moss. You blink in surprise
and I wonder what you can see, my funny kin,
as you trouble my silence. I am a shelter of lies.
Should I learn to speak again, or hopeless in
such sanity will I touch some face I recognize?

Down the hall the baskets start back. My arms
fit you like a sleeve, they hold
catkins of your willows, the wild bee farms
of your nerves, each muscle and fold
of your first days. Your old man's face disarms
the nurses. But the doctors return to scold
me. I speak. It is you my silence harms.
I should have known; I should have told
them something to write down. My voice alarms
my throat. "Name of father—none." I hold
you and name you bastard in my arms.

And now that's that. There is nothing more
that I can say or lose.
Others have traded life before
and could not speak. I tighten to refuse
your owling eyes, my fragile visitor.
I touch your cheeks, like flowers. You bruise
against me. We unlearn. I am a shore
rocking off you. You break from me. I choose
your only way, my small inheritor
and hand you off, trembling the selves we lose.
Go child, who is my sin and nothing more.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Unknown Girl In A Maternity Ward by Anne Sexton

Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel as if you are a part of it? A poem that takes you on a journey of emotions and thoughts that you didn't even know existed? If you haven't, then you should read "Unknown Girl In A Maternity Ward" by Anne Sexton.

This poem is a work of art that delves into the complexities of motherhood, life, and death. It's a thought-provoking piece that forces you to reflect on your own existence, your own purpose in life, and what it means to be a mother.

The Poem

The poem is about a woman who gives birth to her child in a hospital. The woman is surrounded by other women who have also given birth. However, the woman notices a young girl in the maternity ward who is alone and abandoned. She doesn't know who the girl is or where she came from, but she feels a strong connection with her.

The woman starts to imagine the life that the unknown girl might have had. She imagines the girl's parents, her upbringing, and the circumstances that led to her being alone in the maternity ward. The woman then starts to reflect on her own life and the choices that led her to become a mother.

The poem ends with the woman holding her own child, realizing that the unknown girl could have been her child. She feels a sense of responsibility and love towards the unknown girl, even though she doesn't know who she is.

The Analysis

The poem is a powerful reflection on the meaning of motherhood and the complexities of life. Anne Sexton uses a simple narrative structure to convey a profound message. The poem is divided into three stanzas, with each stanza representing a different stage in the woman's journey of self-discovery.

In the first stanza, the woman is introduced to the unknown girl. The woman is surrounded by other women who have given birth, but she is drawn to the unknown girl. The unknown girl represents the unknown aspects of life, the parts of life that we can't control or understand. The woman is intrigued by the unknown girl and starts to imagine her life.

In the second stanza, the woman starts to reflect on her own life. She starts to consider the choices that led her to become a mother. She thinks about the sacrifices she has made and the love she feels for her child. However, she also acknowledges the uncertainties of life and how things could have been different.

In the third stanza, the woman holds her own child and realizes that the unknown girl could have been her child. She feels a sense of responsibility towards the unknown girl, even though she doesn't know who she is. This final realization is a powerful message about the interconnectedness of life and the importance of empathy and compassion.

The Interpretation

"Unknown Girl In A Maternity Ward" can be interpreted in many ways. Some might see it as a reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of empathy towards others. Others might see it as a commentary on the complexities of motherhood and the guilt and responsibility that comes with it.

One interpretation that stands out is the idea of interconnectedness. The poem suggests that we are all connected in some way, even if we don't realize it. The unknown girl could have been anyone's child, and the woman feels a sense of responsibility towards her because of this connection.

Another interpretation is the idea of empathy and compassion. The woman in the poem feels a strong connection with the unknown girl, even though she doesn't know who she is. This connection leads her to reflect on her own life and the choices she has made. It also leads her to feel a sense of responsibility towards the unknown girl.

The Conclusion

"Unknown Girl In A Maternity Ward" is a powerful poem that delves into the complexities of motherhood, life, and death. It's a thought-provoking piece that forces you to reflect on your own existence and what it means to be a mother. Anne Sexton's use of simple narrative structure and powerful imagery creates a sense of empathy and connection with the unknown girl. This connection, in turn, leads to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of empathy and compassion.

So, have you read this poem yet? If not, what are you waiting for? It's a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Unknown Girl In A Maternity Ward: A Poem of Life and Death

Anne Sexton’s Unknown Girl In A Maternity Ward is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the themes of birth, death, and the fragility of life. Written in 1960, the poem is a reflection on the experience of giving birth and the emotions that come with it. It is a deeply personal and intimate poem that captures the essence of the human experience.

The poem begins with the speaker observing a newborn baby in a maternity ward. The baby is described as “a new person” who has just entered the world. The speaker is struck by the baby’s innocence and vulnerability, and she wonders what kind of life the baby will have. She imagines the baby growing up and experiencing all the joys and sorrows of life.

As the poem progresses, the speaker’s thoughts turn to the mother of the baby. She imagines the pain and suffering that the mother must have gone through during childbirth. She wonders if the mother is happy or if she is mourning the loss of her former life. The speaker empathizes with the mother and feels a sense of connection with her.

The poem takes a dark turn as the speaker begins to contemplate the possibility of the baby’s death. She imagines the baby dying suddenly and unexpectedly, and she is filled with a sense of horror and sadness. She realizes that life is fragile and that death can come at any moment. She wonders if the baby will ever have the chance to experience all the things that life has to offer.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the beauty and tragedy of life. She acknowledges that life is both wonderful and terrible, and that we must embrace both the good and the bad. She realizes that life is a precious gift that should be cherished and celebrated.

Unknown Girl In A Maternity Ward is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of life and death. It is a reminder that life is fragile and that we must appreciate every moment that we have. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to touch our hearts and souls.

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