Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "March 4th," Anne Sexton poignantly explores the intersection of love and financial strain, highlighting how love can persist and even flourish amid the pressures of economic hardship. The poem opens with an allusion to John Berryman, a fellow poet who, like Sexton, struggled with inner demons and the harsh realities of life. By invoking Berryman's words, "the high ones die, die, die," Sexton sets a somber tone, suggesting that those who once held positions of power or wealth inevitably succumb to the same fate as everyone else. This reference immediately grounds the poem in a reality where the trappings of wealth and status are ultimately fleeting.

The speaker reflects on the absence of parental figures who once symbolized financial stability and provision. "Daddy's not there shaking his money cane" and "Mother's not there waving dollars good-bye" depict a past where money was more accessible, perhaps even abundant. The imagery of "coughing diamonds into her hanky" suggests a life of opulence, yet it is tinged with a sense of sickness or decay, as if wealth was both a blessing and a burden. The absence of these figures leaves the speaker and their partner alone, forced to navigate the financial landscape without the safety net of inherited wealth or the support of older generations.

The line "They are all embalmed with their cash" is particularly striking, as it encapsulates the idea that the deceased have taken their wealth with them, leaving nothing behind for those who remain. The use of "embalmed" suggests that money, like the bodies of the dead, is preserved and locked away, inaccessible to the living. This imagery evokes a sense of abandonment, as the speaker realizes that the financial security once provided by the previous generation is no longer available.

Despite this bleak backdrop, the poem takes a turn toward resilience and love. The speaker and their partner are depicted as "us kids," emphasizing their youthful energy and perhaps a sense of rebellion against the financial constraints they face. They are engaged in the mundane tasks of life—"lapping stamps and paying the bills, shoveling up the beans and the hash"—yet there is an underlying warmth in these shared activities. The speaker acknowledges that their financial situation is dire, with "our checks...pale" and "our wallets...invalids," yet this does not diminish the strength of their bond.

In fact, love seems to thrive in this environment of financial instability. The couple "kiss in every corner," a small but significant act of intimacy that contrasts with the impersonal nature of bills and debts. The metaphor "Love rises like bread as we go bust" beautifully captures the idea that love is a sustaining force, even as their financial situation deteriorates. Just as bread rises despite the weight of the ingredients, their love grows and expands in the face of adversity.

Sexton uses this contrast between financial decline and emotional richness to explore the idea that love can be a form of resistance against the material pressures of life. While their financial situation may be bleak, the couple's love for each other provides a source of strength and continuity. The poem suggests that, in the end, it is not money or material wealth that sustains us, but the connections we build with others—the simple acts of affection and care that persist even when everything else seems to be falling apart.

In "March 4th," Sexton masterfully intertwines themes of love, loss, and financial struggle, offering a nuanced perspective on how love can endure and even flourish in difficult circumstances. The poem ultimately affirms the value of love as a sustaining force, one that rises and grows even in the face of economic hardship, reminding us that true wealth lies in the relationships we nurture and the love we share.

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