"Tiny Siren" (Summer)

                The potion of Summer in Stag’s Leap is set at the August rental that they both shared during their marriage that Olds now journeys to alone. This is a short section reflecting on their marriage’s small actions, unlike the Spring section that focused on large events.

“Tiny Siren” is the last poem in this section that discusses when Olds found a picture of the woman her husband was currently cheating on her with in the laundry a year ago. The title alludes to the Greek mythological Sirens who were beautiful woman-like creatures that caused men to stray form their course and crash into the fatal rocks. Olds makes the connection to call this woman a siren because she lead her husband away from his path and caused a fatal crash in their marriage.

What is interesting about this poem is Olds finally confesses that there is fault in her ex-husband for ending the marriage; she mentions this when she states: “I had not known he knew how to lie” (57). Olds finally takes some of the blame form herself and admits that her husband is a liar; this is evidence of her catharsis.

I also find it interesting that the woman in the picture was in her bathing suit. In context, the audience knows that they are at the beach rental meaning that the woman was preparing to swim in the sea; the ocean being symbolic of strength. This shows the change of affection and power her ex-husband translated from Olds to the other woman.

The use of the dash in this poem also slows the audiences speed in reading the poem that mimics Olds’ thought process when seeing the picture. The reader know that Olds is trying to make connections in seeing the photo and if her husband is telling the truth.

All of the poems in the Summer section mention the sea in some way that brings importance to the sea archetype of power. Having Olds explore the power in her old relationship and the power in herself connotes healing and empowerment. I will post about the Fall section promptly.

          - Nicki Clifford