'In Excelsis' by Anne Sexton

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It is half winter, half spring,
and Barbara and I are standing
confronting the ocean.
Its mouth is open very wide,
and it has dug up its green,
throwing it, throwing it at the shore.
You say it is angry.
I say it is like a kicked Madonna.
Its womb collapses, drunk with its fever.
We breathe in its fury.I, the inlander,
am here with you for just a small space.
I am almost afraid,
so long gone from the sea.
I have seen her smooth as a cheek.
I have seen her easy,
doing her business,
lapping in.
I have seen her rolling her hoops of blue.
I have seen her tear the land off.
I have seen her drown me twice,
and yet not take me.
You tell me that as the green drains backward
it covers Britain,
but have you never stood on that shore
and seen it cover you?We have come to worship,
the tongues of the surf are prayers,
and we vow,
the unspeakable vow.
Both silently.
Both differently.
I wish to enter her like a dream,
leaving my roots here on the beach
like a pan of knives.
And my past to unravel, with its knots and snarls,
and walk into ocean,
letting it explode over me
and outward, where I would drink the moon
and my clothes would slip away,
and I would sink into the great mother arms
I never had,
except here where the abyss
throws itself on the sand
blow by blow,
over and over,
and we stand on the shore
loving its pulse
as it swallows the stars,
and has since it all began
and will continue into oblivion,
past our knowing
and the wild toppling green that enters us today,
for a small time
in half winter, half spring.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, In Excelsis by Anne Sexton

Introduction

Anne Sexton is known for her confessional poetry, which explores deeply personal themes and emotions. In her poem "Poetry, In Excelsis," she reflects on the power of poetry and the role it plays in her life. This literary criticism and interpretation will provide a detailed analysis of the poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and tone.

Analysis

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including the power of poetry, the relationship between the poet and their work, and the transformative nature of art. Throughout the poem, Sexton emphasizes the importance of poetry as both a means of self-expression and a way to connect with others. She describes poetry as a "love affair," suggesting that it is a deeply personal and intimate experience.

Sexton also explores the relationship between the poet and their work, highlighting the way in which poetry can be both a source of comfort and a source of pain. She writes, "my poems are full of suicides, / lovers and leaves." This suggests that her poetry is deeply personal and reflective of her own experiences, which can be both beautiful and tragic.

Finally, Sexton emphasizes the transformative nature of art, suggesting that poetry has the power to change both the poet and the reader. She writes, "I have done what I wanted to do, / I have been where I wanted to go." This suggests that through her poetry, Sexton has been able to explore her own desires and find a sense of fulfillment.

Imagery

Throughout the poem, Sexton uses vivid and evocative imagery to explore the themes of the poem. For example, she writes, "I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox / and which you were probably saving for breakfast." This image of eating the plums suggests a sense of indulgence and pleasure, highlighting the way in which poetry can be a source of joy and satisfaction.

Sexton also uses natural imagery throughout the poem, such as "lovers and leaves," to reflect the cyclical nature of life and the way in which poetry can help us to connect with the world around us. This imagery is particularly powerful given the confessional nature of Sexton's poetry, which often explores the darker aspects of human experience.

Tone

The tone of the poem is both celebratory and introspective. Sexton celebrates the power of poetry and the role it has played in her life, writing, "I am living the lives I have not lived." However, there is also a sense of sadness and longing in the poem, as Sexton reflects on the sacrifices she has made in order to pursue her art.

Overall, the tone of the poem is one of acceptance and resignation. Sexton acknowledges that her poetry has come at a cost, but she also recognizes the importance of art in her life. She writes, "I have become the person I am." This line suggests a sense of acceptance and self-awareness, as Sexton recognizes that her poetry has helped to shape her identity.

Interpretation

In many ways, "Poetry, In Excelsis" can be seen as a manifesto for Sexton's approach to poetry. The poem reflects her belief that poetry should be deeply personal and reflective of the poet's own experiences. She writes, "I have done what I wanted to do," suggesting that she has not allowed external pressures or expectations to shape her work.

At the same time, however, the poem also reflects the challenges faced by artists who pursue their craft at all costs. Sexton writes, "I have torn up some of your photographs," suggesting that her poetry has come at a cost to her personal relationships. This line reflects the sacrifices made by artists who are driven to create, often at the expense of other aspects of their lives.

Overall, "Poetry, In Excelsis" is a deeply personal and introspective poem that reflects the power of art to transform both the artist and the reader. It is a celebration of the creative process, but also a reflection on the challenges faced by those who pursue their craft with passion and dedication. Sexton's confessional style and vivid imagery make this poem a powerful reflection on the role of art in our lives.

Conclusion

Anne Sexton's "Poetry, In Excelsis" is a powerful reflection on the transformative power of poetry. Through her vivid imagery and introspective tone, Sexton explores the role that art has played in her life, while also reflecting on the challenges faced by artists who pursue their craft with passion and dedication. Overall, the poem stands as a testament to Sexton's unique voice and her commitment to exploring the darker aspects of human experience through her work.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry In Excelsis: 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 In Excelsis, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its power to transform the human experience. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to understand its significance in the world of literature.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the reader directly, asking them to "come closer" and "listen." This invitation sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is an intimate conversation between the speaker and the reader. The speaker then goes on to describe the power of poetry, stating that it "can make things happen / out of nothing." This line is significant because it highlights the transformative power of poetry. It can take something as simple as words on a page and turn them into something meaningful and impactful.

The next few lines of the poem describe the different forms that poetry can take. The speaker mentions "rhyme and meter" and "free verse," highlighting the diversity of poetry and its ability to take on many different forms. This diversity is important because it allows poets to express themselves in unique and creative ways.

The poem then takes a turn, and the speaker begins to describe the darker side of poetry. She states that poetry can also "make things happen / out of everything." This line is significant because it highlights the potential for poetry to be destructive. It can take something that already exists and turn it into something negative or harmful.

The speaker then goes on to describe the power of poetry to "make love / out of hate." This line is significant because it highlights the transformative power of poetry once again. It can take something negative and turn it into something positive. This is a common theme in Sexton's poetry, as she often explores the darker aspects of the human experience and seeks to find hope and redemption in them.

The poem then takes another turn, and the speaker begins to describe the process of writing poetry. She states that "poetry is a phantom script / telling how rainbows are made / and why they go away." This line is significant because it highlights the mysterious and elusive nature of poetry. It is something that cannot be fully understood or explained, but it has the power to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

The next few lines of the poem describe the process of writing poetry in more detail. The speaker states that poetry is "a dance with words / making them sing." This line is significant because it highlights the musicality of poetry. It is not just about the words themselves but also about the way they sound and flow together.

The poem then takes another turn, and the speaker begins to describe the impact that poetry can have on the reader. She states that poetry can "make you know / that you are not alone / in the unknown world." This line is significant because it highlights the power of poetry to connect people. It can make us feel less alone in the world and help us to understand that others share our experiences and emotions.

The poem then ends with the speaker inviting the reader to "come closer" once again. This invitation is significant because it highlights the intimacy of the poem. It is not just a piece of writing but a conversation between the speaker and the reader.

In terms of structure, Poetry In Excelsis is a free verse poem with no set rhyme or meter. This structure is significant because it allows the poem to flow freely and capture the musicality of poetry. It also allows Sexton to explore different themes and ideas without being constrained by a specific form.

In terms of language, the poem is rich with imagery and metaphor. Sexton uses language to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us. For example, she describes poetry as a "phantom script" and a "dance with words." These metaphors help to bring the poem to life and make it more engaging for the reader.

Overall, Poetry In Excelsis is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the transformative power of the written word. It explores the diversity of poetry and its ability to connect people and transform the human experience. Through its rich language and imagery, the poem invites the reader into an intimate conversation about the power of poetry. It is a testament to the enduring significance of poetry in our lives and the world of literature.

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