Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To Have Without Holding" is a poem written by Marge Piercy in 1973. It is a love poem that explores the complexities of relationships and the tension between independence and interdependence.

Explanation:

The poem begins by describing the speaker's desire to love and be loved without the constraints of possession or control. The speaker imagines a relationship where both partners can be free to be themselves and pursue their own interests while still supporting each other.

The poem then goes on to explore the challenges of achieving this kind of love. The speaker acknowledges that jealousy and possessiveness are natural human emotions but argues that they should not be allowed to dominate a relationship.

Throughout the poem, the speaker emphasizes the importance of communication and mutual respect in a relationship. She suggests that true love requires a willingness to listen to each other and to accept each other's differences.

The poem concludes with the speaker expressing her hope that she and her partner can find a way to love each other without holding onto each other too tightly.

Poetic Elements:

• Free verse structure
• Imagery: "ripe apple," "rusty leaves," "winter light"
• Personification: "the bed"
• Repetition: "to have without holding"
• Metaphor: "love is a fluid"
• Enjambment: "we will be/each other's harvest"
• Theme: the tension between independence and interdependence in relationships

Conclusion:

"To Have Without Holding" is a beautiful and thoughtful exploration of love and relationships. Piercy's poem challenges the traditional notions of possessiveness and control in romantic relationships and suggests that true love requires a level of trust and independence. The poem is a reminder that love is complex and requires constant communication and mutual respect.

Poem Snippet:

"Love is not a profession

genteel or otherwise

sex is not dentistry

the slick filling of aches and cavities”