Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"True Love" by Sharon Olds captures an intimate and tender moment between two partners in the quiet aftermath of lovemaking. The poem explores the deep connection and understanding that characterizes a mature, enduring love, emphasizing both the physical and emotional bonds that unite the couple.

The poem begins with a serene scene: the couple rises in the middle of the night after making love, and there is a palpable sense of complete companionship. The description of them looking at each other "in complete friendship" suggests a profound mutual understanding and comfort. The comparison to "mountaineers coming down from a mountain" evokes the sense of shared achievement and the relief and exhaustion that follow an intense experience. This imagery also implies a journey taken together, marked by trust and reliance on one another.

The bond between the partners is further emphasized by the reference to the "tie of the delivery-room," alluding to the shared experience of childbirth. This tie represents a significant and life-changing event, reinforcing the depth of their connection. As they move through the house, the speaker describes the difficulty of walking, "hobble[ing] through the granular / shadowless air," which could symbolize the vulnerability and rawness that often accompany intimate moments. The mention of knowing the other's presence "with my eyes closed" illustrates the instinctive and almost spiritual bond they share, a connection that transcends the physical.

The poem then delves into a reflection on the all-encompassing nature of their relationship. The phrase "we are bound to each other / with huge invisible threads" conveys an image of an invisible yet unbreakable bond. The description of their "sexes / muted, exhausted, crushed" suggests a state of physical depletion, yet also an immersion into a shared physical and emotional space where their bodies are entirely entwined. The line "the whole body a sex" indicates a total unity, where their individual identities dissolve into a collective experience.

This intimate moment is framed as the "most blessed time" of the speaker's life, highlighting a sense of contentment and fulfillment. The reference to their "children asleep in their beds" introduces a broader context of family life and the enduring nature of their partnership. The children's futures are likened to "a vein of abiding mineral / not discovered yet," suggesting potential and unknown possibilities, further emphasizing the preciousness of the present moment.

As the speaker sits on the toilet, an ordinary, mundane act becomes a moment of reflection and connection. The imagery of snow falling in a "steep drift, against the pane" creates a serene and isolating scene. The snow is described as "silent / and glistening," evoking a sense of purity and stillness. The speaker's quiet call to their partner and the response—coming to hold hands—underscores the intimacy and support that defines their relationship.

The poem concludes with the speaker's expression of uncertainty: "I cannot see beyond it. I cannot see beyond it." This repetition suggests a recognition of the limits of their understanding or perhaps the inability to foresee the future. It could also reflect the overwhelming nature of their love, a love so profound that it obscures everything else. The snow outside, a metaphor for the unknown and the opaque nature of the future, reinforces this idea.

"True Love" beautifully encapsulates the quiet, deep connection between two people who share not just physical intimacy but a profound emotional and spiritual bond. Sharon Olds highlights the comfort, understanding, and vulnerability that come with true companionship, portraying a love that is both tender and all-encompassing. The poem celebrates the small, intimate moments that define a relationship and the deep sense of security and contentment they bring.

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