'The Balance Wheel' by Anne Sexton
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Where I waved at the sky
And waited your love through a February sleep,
I saw birds swinging in, watched them multiply
Into a tree, weaving on a branch, cradling a keep
In the arms of April sprung from the south to occupy
This slow lap of land, like cogs of some balance wheel.
I saw them build the air, with that motion birds feel.Where I wave at the sky
And understand love, knowing our August heat,
I see birds pulling past the dim frosted thigh
Of Autumn, unlatched from the nest, and wing-beat
For the south, making their high dots across the sky,
Like beauty spots marking a still perfect cheek.
I see them bend the air, slipping away, for what birds seek.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Balance Wheel by Anne Sexton
Have you ever had those moments where you feel like you are on a roller coaster ride, as if life is a constant wheel of ups and downs? Anne Sexton's poem, "The Balance Wheel," takes readers on a journey through the complexities of life as she explores the balance of happiness and tragedy.
Background
Anne Sexton was an American poet who was known for her confessional poetry style. She was born in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1928 and had a difficult childhood. Sexton struggled with mental illness throughout her life, and she ultimately took her own life in 1974. Despite her struggles, Sexton's poetry was widely recognized and praised, and she received numerous awards for her work.
"The Balance Wheel" was first published in Sexton's 1972 collection, "Transformations." The poem is one of the many confessional pieces that Sexton wrote during her career. It is a reflection on the inevitable ups and downs of life and the importance of finding balance in the face of tragedy.
Analysis
The poem begins with a metaphor of a balance wheel, which represents the ups and downs of life. Sexton writes, "Life is a balance wheel" (line 1) and continues to describe the wheel as something that is always turning, never stopping. The image of a wheel turning is a powerful one, as it suggests that life is constantly moving forward, even when we feel like we are stuck in one place.
Sexton goes on to describe the two sides of the balance wheel: happiness and tragedy. She writes, "Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length" (line 4) and "Tragedy strikes a blow and the wheel turns" (line 7). These lines suggest that happiness is fleeting, but it is intense when we experience it. Tragedy, on the other hand, is a slow burn that can last for a long time.
The poem then shifts to a more personal tone as Sexton describes her own experiences with the balance wheel. She writes, "I have been on both sides of the wheel" (line 9) and goes on to describe her own struggles with mental illness. Sexton writes, "I have ridden the proudest horse, stared at the ugliest woman" (line 11), suggesting that she has experienced both the highs and lows of life.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Sexton writes, "The only thing I know for sure is that those who love you are divided by the balance wheel" (line 14). This line suggests that even when we have people in our lives who love us, they are still affected by the ups and downs of life. The balance wheel separates us from those we love, and we must find a way to navigate it together.
Interpretation
"The Balance Wheel" is a deeply personal and emotional poem that explores the complexities of life. The poem suggests that life is a constant cycle of ups and downs, and that we must find a way to maintain balance in the face of tragedy. Sexton's use of the balance wheel as a metaphor for life is a powerful image that is both relatable and universal.
The poem also suggests that happiness and tragedy are two sides of the same coin. We cannot experience one without the other, and we must accept that life is a mixture of both. Sexton's personal experiences with mental illness add a layer of depth to the poem, as she suggests that even in the darkest moments, there is still hope for balance and happiness.
Finally, the poem suggests that love is a powerful force that can help us navigate the balance wheel. Even when we feel alone or isolated, the love of those around us can help us find balance and maintain our sense of self. Sexton's use of this message is both hopeful and inspiring, suggesting that even in the face of tragedy, there is still hope for happiness and balance.
Conclusion
"The Balance Wheel" is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the complexities of life. Anne Sexton's use of the balance wheel as a metaphor for life is a powerful image that is both relatable and universal. The poem suggests that even in the darkest moments, there is still hope for balance and happiness, and that love is a powerful force that can help us navigate the ups and downs of life. Overall, "The Balance Wheel" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that encourages readers to find balance in the face of tragedy.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Sexton’s “The Balance Wheel” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of human emotions and the struggle to maintain balance in life. The poem is a reflection on the ups and downs of life, and the constant need to find equilibrium in the face of adversity.
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker describing the balance wheel as “a simple machine” that keeps everything in order. However, the second stanza introduces a sense of unease, with the speaker noting that the balance wheel can also be “a dangerous thing” when it is not properly maintained.
The third stanza is where the poem really begins to delve into the complexities of human emotions. The speaker describes how the balance wheel can be affected by “the weight of our sorrows” and “the pull of our joys.” This is a powerful metaphor for the way that our emotions can impact our lives, and how difficult it can be to maintain balance when we are experiencing intense feelings.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker acknowledging that the balance wheel is ultimately a reflection of our own inner selves. The poem ends with the powerful line, “We are the balance wheel,” reminding us that we have the power to control our own emotions and find balance in our lives.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Balance Wheel” is the way that Sexton uses language to convey complex emotions. The poem is full of vivid imagery, such as the “weight of our sorrows” and the “pull of our joys,” which help to bring the emotions to life. The use of repetition, with the phrase “the balance wheel” appearing in each stanza, also helps to reinforce the central theme of the poem.
Another notable aspect of the poem is the way that it explores the idea of balance as a constant struggle. The speaker notes that the balance wheel must be constantly maintained, and that even the slightest imbalance can have serious consequences. This is a powerful metaphor for the way that we must constantly work to maintain balance in our own lives, and how even small changes can have a significant impact.
Overall, “The Balance Wheel” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of human emotions and the struggle to maintain balance in life. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem reminds us that we have the power to control our own emotions and find balance in our lives, even in the face of adversity.
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