Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's poem "Morning Athletes" is a vivid and intimate portrayal of two women finding companionship and solace in their shared morning runs. Through detailed imagery and candid reflections, Piercy captures the essence of their routine, emphasizing the importance of friendship, nature, and the joy of shared experiences over the physical act of running itself.

The poem begins with a description of the women: "Most mornings we go running side by side / two women in mid-lives jogging, awkward / in our baggy improvisations, two / bundles of rejects from the thrift shop." This imagery immediately establishes a sense of authenticity and relatability. The women are not adorned in fashionable athletic gear; instead, they wear practical, mismatched clothing, highlighting their focus on the activity rather than appearance.

Piercy contrasts these women with the men they encounter: "Men in their zippy outfits run in packs / on the road where we park, meet / like lovers on the wood’s edge and walk / sedately around the corner out of sight / to our own hardened clay road, High Toss." The men's "zippy outfits" and pack mentality emphasize their polished, perhaps competitive approach to running. In contrast, the women find their own space, away from the public eye, on a more rugged, private path. This separation underscores the personal and meaningful nature of their runs.

As they run, Piercy details their physical struggles and camaraderie: "Slowly we shuffle, serious, panting / but talking as we trot, our old honorable / wounds in knee and back and ankle paining / us, short, fleshy, dark haired, Italian / and Jew, with our full breasts carefully / confined." The women’s shared physical ailments and diverse backgrounds—Italian and Jewish—enhance their bond. Their conversations, conducted through labored breaths, reflect a deep connection and mutual understanding.

The poem highlights the richness of their lives beyond running: "We are rich earthy cooks / both of us and the flesh we are working / off was put on with grave pleasure." This line reveals that their shared passion for cooking and the joy they find in food is another cornerstone of their friendship. The juxtaposition of their professional lives as a photographer and poet adds layers to their identity and deepens their connection.

Piercy vividly describes the natural surroundings: "It is not the running I love, thump / thump with my leaden feet that only / infrequently are winged and prancing, / but the light that glints off the cattails / as the wind furrows them, the rum cherries / reddening leaf and fruit, the way the pines / blacken the sunlight on their bristles." The poet's true affection lies in the beauty of the natural world, observed and appreciated during their runs. This imagery evokes a serene, almost meditative quality to their routine, transforming the physical exertion into a spiritual and sensory experience.

The presence of wildlife further enriches their journey: "the hawk flapping three times, then floating / low over beige grasses, / and your company / as we trot, two friendly dogs leaving / tracks in the sand." The hawk and their companionship are equated to friendly dogs, suggesting loyalty, simplicity, and mutual support. This metaphor underscores the ease and comfort they find in each other's presence.

The poem concludes with a peaceful yet active scene: "The geese call / on the river wandering lost in sedges / and we talk and pant, pant and talk / in the morning early and busy together." This ending emphasizes the continuous, rhythmic nature of their conversations and movements, highlighting the harmony and balance they achieve together.

"Morning Athletes" by Marge Piercy is a heartfelt tribute to the power of friendship, the beauty of nature, and the significance of shared experiences. Through her evocative descriptions and reflective tone, Piercy illustrates how the simple act of running becomes a profound ritual of connection, resilience, and appreciation for life's small pleasures.

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