"Crazy" (Fall)

                In the second Fall section, the poem “Crazy” is the first direct statement that Olds’ catharsis is occurring: “And maybe what he had for me was/ unconditional, temporary/ affection and trust, without romance,/  through with fondness – with mortal fondness. There was no / tragedy for us, there was/ the slow-reveled comedy /of ideal and error” (65). This poem, unlike the rest, is direct in terms of what Olds is trying to say about her marriage. Olds informs the reader that it is ok that her relationship didn’t work out; she will move on.

Olds also accepts the beginning and end of cycles when she says: “The morning and the evening came” (65). Both the morning and the evening are equal in this sentence; the end and the start. Healing has taken place.

“Bruise Ghazal” is another poem in the fall section that shows Olds healing; quite literally in fact. Again, Olds mentions a bruise (symbolic of her marriage) and how she looks forward to the rotting colors. She also mentions: “You were born to heal./ Sleep and dream – but not of his return / Since you cannot harm him, wound him, in your dream”(67). Olds who was once ashamed of thinking that she was the reason for him to leave now seems not to care if herself was a factor and she subsequently wants vengeance.

“Discandied” is another example of Olds catharsis. In summary, she mentions that her husband used to hide almond chocolate bars in the house and whenever she felt sad, he would give one to her. Now finding that he failed to remove the candies when he moved out, instead of indulging herself in what she used to love, Olds throws them away; simply, she no longer needs the comfort of her husband.

The entire second Fall section contrasts greatly with the first in the tone and nature of the poems. Olds transforms from being depressed and in denial to being strong and accepting the end of her relationship; Olds is now in control of her own life. I will post about the Years Later section promptly.

-Nicki Clifford