'That Day' by Anne Sexton

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This is the desk I sit at
and this is the desk where I love you too much
and this is the typewriter that sits before me
where yesterday only your body sat before me
with its shoulders gathered in like a Greek chorus,
with its tongue like a king making up rules as he goes,
with its tongue quite openly like a cat lapping milk,
with its tongue -- both of us coiled in its slippery life.
That was yesterday, that day.
That was the day of your tongue,
your tongue that came from your lips,
two openers, half animals, half birds
caught in the doorway of your heart.
That was the day I followed the king's rules,
passing by your red veins and your blue veins,
my hands down the backbone, down quick like a firepole,
hands between legs where you display your inner knowledge,
where diamond mines are buried and come forth to bury,
come forth more sudden than some reconstructed city.
It is complete within seconds, that monument.
The blood runs underground yet brings forth a tower.
A multitude should gather for such an edifice.
For a miracle one stands in line and throws confetti.
Surely The Press is here looking for headlines.
Surely someone should carry a banner on the sidewalk.
If a bridge is constructed doesn't the mayor cut a ribbon?
If a phenomenon arrives shouldn't the Magi come bearing gifts?
Yesterday was the day I bore gifts for your gift
and came from the valley to meet you on the pavement.
That was yesterday, that day.
That was the day of your face,
your face after love, close to the pillow, a lullaby.
Half asleep beside me letting the old fashioned rocker stop,
our breath became one, became a child-breath together,
while my fingers drew little o's on your shut eyes,
while my fingers drew little smiles on your mouth,
while I drew I LOVE YOU on your chest and its drummer
and whispered, "Wake up!" and you mumbled in your sleep,
"Sh. We're driving to Cape Cod. We're heading for the Bourne
Bridge. We're circling the Bourne Circle." Bourne!
Then I knew you in your dream and prayed of our time
that I would be pierced and you would take root in me
and that I might bring forth your born, might bear
the you or the ghost of you in my little household.
Yesterday I did not want to be borrowed
but this is the typewriter that sits before me
and love is where yesterday is at.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, That Day by Anne Sexton

Are you familiar with Anne Sexton’s works? If not, then you are missing out on one of the most brilliant poets that ever lived. Sexton’s poetry is known for its confessional style, as she explores themes of mental illness, death, and sexuality. One of her most famous works is “That Day”, a poem that reveals the fragility of human life and the inevitability of death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in “That Day”.

Overview of the Poem

“That Day” is a poem that reflects on a moment in time when Sexton came close to death. The poem is a vivid portrayal of a near-death experience, where Sexton is able to see the world around her with a new sense of clarity. The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme or meter. This allows Sexton to convey her thoughts and emotions in a raw and authentic manner.

Themes

Death is the central theme of “That Day”. Sexton reflects on the fragility of human life and the inevitability of death. The poem is an exploration of what it means to be alive, and what it means to die. Sexton’s near-death experience has given her a new appreciation for life, and she recognizes the beauty in even the most mundane things.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of transformation. Sexton’s near-death experience has transformed her in a profound way. She sees the world around her with new eyes, and she recognizes the interconnectedness of all things. The experience has made her more aware of the beauty and fragility of life, and she is grateful for every moment.

Symbols

One of the most striking symbols in “That Day” is the image of the spider. Sexton describes the spider as “a black string” that is “hanging from the ceiling”. The spider represents death, and the inevitability of the end. However, Sexton also recognizes the beauty in the spider’s web, and the intricate patterns that it weaves. The spider represents the interconnectedness of all things, and the delicate balance of life and death.

Another symbol that appears in the poem is the image of the sunflower. Sexton describes the sunflower as “a yellow dress” that is “worn by the sun”. The sunflower represents the beauty and abundance of life. Even in the face of death, Sexton recognizes the beauty and light that still exists in the world.

Literary Devices

Sexton uses a number of literary devices in “That Day” to convey her message. One of the most striking devices is the use of imagery. Sexton’s descriptions are vivid and sensory, and they allow the reader to experience the world around her with a new sense of wonder. For example, she describes the sky as “a bowl of blue soup”, and the sun as “a red whirling dervish”. These descriptions are both imaginative and playful, and they add to the overall sense of joy and wonder in the poem.

Another literary device that Sexton uses is repetition. Throughout the poem, she repeats the phrase “that day”, as if to emphasize the importance of the experience. The repetition also adds a sense of urgency to the poem, and it creates a sense of momentum that propels the reader forward.

Conclusion

“That Day” is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of life, death, and transformation. Sexton’s near-death experience has given her a new appreciation for life, and she recognizes the beauty in even the most mundane things. The poem is a vivid portrayal of a moment of clarity, and it reminds us of the fragility of human life. Through her use of imagery, symbolism, and literary devices, Sexton creates a poem that is both playful and profound. If you haven’t read “That Day” yet, I highly recommend it. It’s a poem that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry That Day: A Masterpiece by Anne Sexton

Anne Sexton, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is known for her confessional style of writing. Her poetry is often autobiographical and deals with themes of mental illness, suicide, and the struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society. One of her most famous poems, Poetry That Day, is a powerful and moving piece that explores the transformative power of poetry.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a day when she was feeling lost and alone. She is wandering through the city, feeling disconnected from the world around her. She is searching for something to give her meaning and purpose, something to make her feel alive. And then she sees a sign that reads "Poetry Reading Tonight."

The speaker is immediately drawn to the idea of poetry. She sees it as a way to connect with something greater than herself, to find meaning in the chaos of the world. She decides to attend the reading, hoping that it will provide her with the answers she is seeking.

As she listens to the poets read their work, the speaker is transported to another world. She is no longer alone, but part of a community of people who share her love of poetry. She is inspired by the words of the poets, and she feels a sense of connection to them and to the world around her.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker describes the pain and suffering that she has experienced in her life. She talks about her struggles with mental illness, her feelings of isolation and despair. But even in the midst of this darkness, she finds hope in poetry. She sees it as a way to transcend her pain and connect with something greater than herself.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful affirmation of the transformative power of poetry. The speaker declares that poetry has saved her life, that it has given her a reason to live. She sees it as a way to connect with the world and with herself, to find meaning and purpose in a world that can often seem meaningless and chaotic.

Poetry That Day is a masterpiece of confessional poetry. It is a deeply personal and moving exploration of the power of poetry to transform our lives. Through her words, Anne Sexton shows us that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression, but a way to connect with something greater than ourselves. It is a way to find meaning and purpose in a world that can often seem dark and hopeless.

The poem is also a powerful commentary on the struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society. The speaker's feelings of isolation and despair are a reflection of the ways in which women are often marginalized and silenced in our society. But through poetry, the speaker is able to find her voice and connect with others who share her experiences.

Overall, Poetry That Day is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the transformative power of poetry. It is a testament to the ways in which art can help us to connect with ourselves and with the world around us. Anne Sexton's words continue to inspire and move readers today, reminding us of the importance of poetry in our lives.

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