Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Language of the Brag" by Sharon Olds is a powerful and assertive poem that challenges traditional notions of heroism and achievement by elevating the act of childbirth to a heroic status. Through vivid imagery and a defiant tone, Olds reclaims the language of bragging, typically associated with male accomplishments, to celebrate the female experience, particularly the physical and emotional labor of giving birth.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing a desire for "excellence in the knife-throw," a metaphor that suggests a longing for skill, precision, and recognition. This desire is linked to physical prowess—"exceptionally strong and accurate arms" and "quick electric muscles"—attributes traditionally celebrated in male-dominated feats. The speaker envisions achieving something remarkable "at the centre of a crowd," with the knife's blade "piercing the bark deep," evoking a sense of public recognition and validation.

This initial portrayal of strength and competence transitions into a broader reflection on the desire for "some epic use for my excellent body," a yearning for heroism that transcends the ordinary. The speaker mentions standing by the sandlot, watching boys play, which highlights a sense of exclusion from traditional avenues of glory and achievement. The reference to an "American achievement" ties the poem to cultural narratives of heroism and success, often dominated by masculine ideals.

As the poem progresses, the speaker shifts from the realm of fantasy and public recognition to the raw, physical reality of childbirth. This transition is marked by a vivid depiction of the physical changes and challenges of pregnancy: "my belly big with cowardice and safely," "my stool black with iron pills," "my huge breasts oozing mucus," and "my legs swelling." The speaker does not shy away from the discomfort and messiness of pregnancy, confronting it with brutal honesty. The imagery of pain—"my inner sex stabbed again and again with terrible pain like a knife"—underscores the intense physical ordeal of childbirth, likening it to a violent act.

In the midst of this vivid portrayal, the speaker describes the moment of labor: "I have lain down and sweated and shaken / and passed blood and feces and water." The repetition of "I have" emphasizes the speaker's active participation and endurance. The act of giving birth is framed as a solitary achievement, "slowly alone in the centre of a circle," drawing a parallel to the earlier image of achieving something at the center of a crowd. Here, however, the crowd is absent, replaced by a private, intimate space where the speaker's body becomes the focus.

The poem reaches a climax as the speaker declares, "I have done what you wanted to do, Walt Whitman, / Allen Ginsberg, I have done this thing." By invoking these iconic male poets, Olds situates the act of childbirth within the literary tradition of celebrating the human experience, challenging the exclusivity of male-centric narratives. The speaker asserts that she and "the other women" have accomplished an "exceptional act with the exceptional heroic body," equating the act of giving birth with heroic feats.

The poem concludes with the speaker placing her "proud American boast" alongside other celebrated achievements, asserting that the act of childbirth deserves the same recognition and respect. By using the term "glistening verb," Olds emphasizes the dynamic, life-giving nature of birth, contrasting it with the static nouns of traditional heroism. The poem redefines heroism, not as an act of violence or public spectacle, but as an intimate, life-creating experience.

"The Language of the Brag" is a powerful reclamation of language and recognition for women's experiences. Olds challenges societal and literary norms by celebrating the physical and emotional labor of childbirth, positioning it as an act of courage and heroism. The poem asserts the value and significance of women's bodies and experiences, demanding that they be acknowledged and respected alongside traditional narratives of achievement. Through its bold imagery and defiant tone, the poem elevates the everyday miracle of birth to a place of honor and pride.