Welcome to Poem of the Day – That Day by Anne Sexton
Anne Sexton is one of the most powerful voices in 20th-century American poetry. Known for her confessional style, Sexton often wrote about personal pain, mental illness, and womanhood. Her poetry is direct and emotional, making it both moving and relatable. Today, we take a closer look at her poem That Day. This short but haunting poem invites the reader into a moment of deep personal experience. In this article, we will explain the meaning, themes, and structure of That Day in simple and clear terms.
That Day Explanation
Summary of the Poem
In That Day, Anne Sexton remembers a specific moment from her past. The poem describes a hospital scene and the birth of a child. But rather than being joyful, the moment is filled with sadness, confusion, and emotional pain. Sexton’s speaker does not feel happiness or love. Instead, she feels empty and distant.
The poem reflects how disconnected a mother can feel from her child and from herself. It is not a traditional poem about birth. There are no bright images or happy tears. Instead, Sexton uses plain but powerful words to describe a moment that is painful and strange.
Line-by-Line Explanation
Let’s look at the poem in parts. Each section helps us understand the overall meaning.
Opening Lines: A Memory Returns
Sexton begins by saying:
“It was a year of odd water
with the birth of your child, unknown to me then.”
Right away, the poem signals that this is about the past. The words “odd water” suggest confusion or something unnatural. Water often symbolizes birth or emotion. Here, it feels off or wrong. The speaker says the child was “unknown to me then,” which shows distance. Even at birth, there was no connection.
Middle Lines: The Hospital Scene
Later, Sexton writes about the hospital. She describes the bed, the nurses, and her own body. She writes not with joy, but with cold observation. The mood is flat. She notices everything but feels nothing.
“They took away the mirrors…
so I would not see the thing I had become.”
These lines are very powerful. They show shame and alienation. Sexton’s speaker feels changed in a negative way. She does not want to see herself. Giving birth did not make her feel beautiful or proud. It made her feel broken.
Closing Lines: Emotional Distance
Toward the end, Sexton’s speaker says:
“You were not mine.”
This is the most striking line in the poem. It sums up the emotional distance. The speaker feels no bond with the baby. The child is not hers in a spiritual or emotional way. This goes against the common idea that mothers always love their children instantly. Sexton is honest and brave in admitting this feeling.
Themes in the Poem
1. Motherhood and Alienation
This poem explores how motherhood can feel alien and painful. Not every mother feels an immediate bond. Some feel empty or even afraid. Sexton gives voice to these hidden feelings. She shows the dark side of childbirth that people often do not talk about.
2. Mental Illness
Sexton struggled with depression for much of her life. This poem reflects that struggle. The numbness, the shame, and the lack of emotion all suggest a deep mental battle. The hospital is not just a place for birth, but also a symbol of control and silence.
3. Identity and Transformation
The poem shows how giving birth can change a woman’s sense of self. Sexton’s speaker feels that she is no longer the same. But this change does not feel positive. It feels like a loss of identity. The line about removing mirrors is key. She no longer wants to face who she has become.
Style and Language
Anne Sexton uses simple but strong language in this poem. She does not use many metaphors or flowery words. Her style is plain and direct. This makes the emotion more real and immediate. The short lines and spare structure match the feeling of emptiness. There is no rhyme, and the rhythm is natural, like a conversation.
Sexton often writes in the first person, which adds to the personal feeling. Readers feel like they are hearing her true voice. That is part of her confessional style. She talks about things that many people feel but are afraid to say.
Conclusion
That Day by Anne Sexton is a powerful and painful poem. It shows a moment that should be joyful, but instead is filled with sadness and distance. Sexton breaks the silence around difficult feelings in motherhood. She writes with honesty and bravery.
This poem invites readers to think about the hidden sides of life. Not all experiences fit into neat boxes. Sexton reminds us that poetry can reveal the truth, even when that truth is hard to hear. Her words help others feel seen and understood, especially those who have felt alone in their emotions.
That Day is not just about one birth. It is about the deep, complex experience of being human.
