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Colors Passing Through Us Poem Summary line by line

Colors Passing Through Us is a reflective and contemplative poem by Marge Piercy. It looks at how fleeting life is and the different experiences that mold and determine who we are. The poem conveys a sense of impermanence and the connectivity of human life with the larger universe through rich language and striking images.

Colors Passing Through Us Poem Summary line by line

“Purple as tulips in May, mauve” The poem begins by describing purple and drawing a comparison to tulips in May. This establishes the poem’s visual tone and presents the topic of colors, which will reoccur frequently.
“into lush velvet, purple” Purple is used repeatedly to highlight its vibrancy and richness. “Lush velvet” is used to add a tactile element that creates an impression of soft, opulent texture.
“as the stain blackberries leave” Blackberry stains are compared to the color purple, implying a link that is organic and natural. The idea of impermanence is introduced by the way stains vanish with time.
“on the lips, on the hands,” The mention of lips and hands suggests a physical and intimate connection to the color, reinforcing the sensory and personal aspects of the imagery.
“the purple of ripe grapes sunlit” The poem expands its color palette to include the purple of ripe grapes, connecting natural elements and fruits to the theme. The mention of sunlight adds a warm and radiant quality to the description.
“as the orb of the earth is” The imagery shifts to the earth, portraying it as an orb. This broadens the perspective, suggesting a connection between earthly elements and cosmic forces.
“as the grape as the berry as the” The repetition of “as the” creates a rhythmic pattern and reinforces the interconnectedness of the various elements being described. The use of berries and grapes continues the theme of natural cycles.
“oval moon in the slim night” The poem introduces the image of the moon, describing it as oval and situated in the slim night. This celestial imagery adds a cosmic dimension to the narrative.
“light as the lock of a door, the light” The poem shifts to a metaphorical depiction of light, comparing it to the lock of a door. This introduces the idea of illumination and entry, suggesting that light holds significance in unlocking understanding or experiences.
“that is the dense planet air,” The reference to dense planet air implies an atmospheric quality to the light. This contributes to the cosmic imagery and reinforces the idea of interconnectedness with the broader universe.
“the light that is in a room where” The poem transitions to a more intimate setting, describing the light within a room. This shift in scale—from the cosmic to the domestic—underscores the poem’s exploration of varied experiences.
“the daylight in midsummer is” The mention of daylight in midsummer emphasizes a specific and vivid quality of light. This may evoke a sense of warmth, intensity, and the fleeting nature of summertime.
“the light of a candle as it absolutely” The poem introduces the soft and warm glow of candlelight. The word “absolutely” suggests a definitive quality, emphasizing the certainty and immediacy of the experience.
“defines the human face” The light of a candle is linked to the definition of the human face. This intimate connection highlights the role of light in shaping and revealing human features.
“and the chamber of the eye as the chamber” The poem extends the metaphor to the chamber of the eye, suggesting an inner sanctum or a place of introspection. This further emphasizes the idea that light is integral to perception and understanding.
“of the heart’s assent.” The heart’s assent suggests agreement or approval. The use of light in this context implies that understanding or insight is connected to an emotional or heartfelt acknowledgment.
“A high-pitched word of a voice carrying” The poem shifts to the auditory sense, introducing the high-pitched word of a voice. This expands the sensory experience beyond visual elements.
“a gold aster as the star in the” The image of a gold aster introduces the color gold and the metaphor of a star. This celestial reference connects the earthly experience to cosmic elements, continuing the theme of interconnectedness.
“anthem sung by the deceived or” The mention of an anthem suggests a song or expression, and the idea of deception introduces a nuanced layer of complexity. This may allude to the multifaceted nature of human experiences and expressions.
“the self-deceived. There is the” The poem delves into themes of deception, acknowledging both external deception and self-deception. This suggests that our perceptions and expressions may be shaped by illusions or false narratives.
“civil midnight.” The mention of civil midnight introduces a sense of time and a metaphorical midpoint. This may symbolize a moment of reflection or reckoning.
“And colors passing through us are the” The title of the poem is introduced, and the idea of colors passing through individuals is emphasized. This suggests a transient and transformative quality to experiences and emotions.
“life of the leaves, the rich life of” The colors passing through individuals are equated with the life of leaves. This nature-based imagery reinforces the cyclical and changing nature of life.
“underwater reefs of lit coral as” The poem introduces the imagery of underwater reefs and lit coral. This underwater world adds a dimension of mystery and depth to the narrative.
“butterflies give way to caterpillars” The reference to butterflies and caterpillars introduces the theme of transformation and the cyclical nature of life. Butterflies symbolize change and metamorphosis.
“before they are the chrysalis: colors” The poem references the stage of the chrysalis, a cocoon-like structure that precedes the emergence of butterflies. This reinforces the transformative journey hinted at in the previous line.
“in a root, living in a stone” Colors are described as living in unexpected places—a root and a stone. This unexpectedness adds an element of surprise and challenges conventional expectations.
“shield themselves with their fire: the” Colors are personified as shielding themselves with fire, suggesting both protection and a dynamic, vibrant quality.
“round bowl of the world as it goes” The poem returns to the cosmic imagery, describing the world as a round bowl. This celestial perspective reinforces the idea that colors and experiences are part of a broader cosmic journey.
“round and round.” The repetition of “round and round” emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the constant movement and change inherent in existence.
“These are the illuminated edges” The poem introduces the concept of illuminated edges, suggesting that certain aspects or experiences stand out and are highlighted, much like the illuminated edges of objects.
“of the shapes of space, the corners” The illuminated edges are associated with the shapes of space
and the corners. This may allude to the perceptual boundaries and delineations within the vast expanse of existence, emphasizing that certain experiences or colors stand out in the broader context of life.
“of wood, stone, the lurid sunsets of” The reference to wood and stone brings in elements of the natural world, and the mention of lurid sunsets introduces a vivid and intense quality to the imagery. This variety of references contributes to the richness and diversity of experiences.
“the spirit, the spice of the village,” The poem shifts to the spiritual and communal aspects, suggesting that colors and experiences are akin to the spice of a village. This metaphorical spice may symbolize the variety and flavor that different encounters bring to community life.
“the tonic of the quinine flower.” The mention of the quinine flower introduces a medicinal and therapeutic element. This could imply that certain experiences act as a remedy or tonic, contributing to the overall health and vitality of life.
“Yellow of the day lily and of” The color yellow is introduced, associated with the day lily. This vivid and botanical imagery brings a fresh visual quality to the poem, highlighting the diverse spectrum of colors.
“egg yolks of the long-afternoon, the” The yellow is further connected to egg yolks and the long-afternoon. This suggests a warm and leisurely quality, capturing the essence of a sunlit afternoon and the richness of egg yolks.
“wings of canaries, my kitchen in” The yellow continues to be associated with the wings of canaries, introducing an avian element. The personal reference to “my kitchen” adds an intimate touch, grounding the poem in the everyday experiences of the speaker.
“May: colors of a season, the dullest” The poem explores the seasonal aspect of colors, with May being specifically mentioned. This introduces a temporal dimension, suggesting that colors are also associated with different times and phases in life.
“red as the eyes of a blind man in” The color red is introduced with a poignant metaphor, comparing it to the eyes of a blind man. This metaphorical use of red suggests a deep emotional and sensory impact.
“autumn, red as the birth of the” Red is further explored, now associated with the birth of the world. This vivid imagery evokes the intensity of red and its connection to both the changing seasons and the origin of existence.
“world, red as the mystery of life we” The poem delves into the mystery of life, portraying it as red. This mysterious and enigmatic quality emphasizes the unknown aspects of existence that colors may represent.
“cannot explain but only feel.” The inability to explain the mystery of life is acknowledged, highlighting the limitations of language in capturing the depth of human experience. Instead, the emphasis is on the emotional and sensory aspects of feeling.
“Green as the new wet leaf, green as” The color green is introduced, associated with the freshness of a new wet leaf. This natural and botanical imagery adds a rejuvenating and vibrant quality to the spectrum of colors.
“the mayfly or the veins on a woman’s” Green is further linked to the mayfly, suggesting a fleeting and ephemeral quality. The mention of veins on a woman’s body introduces a human element, connecting the natural world to the human experience.
“emerald wrist, green as the sand” The color green is extended to the imagery of an emerald wrist and sand. These diverse references continue to emphasize the range of experiences and visual stimuli associated with the color green.
“in the morning light, green as” The varied associations with green persist, now extending to the sand in the morning light. This reinforces the dynamic and changing nature of colors based on different contexts and lighting conditions.
“melons, as grass that shoots green” The color green is linked to melons and the shoots of grass. This agricultural and botanical imagery further diversifies the associations with the color, connecting it to growth and sustenance.
“from the unfrozen ground and the” The green shoots emerging from unfrozen ground evoke a sense of renewal and growth. This imagery may also symbolize resilience and the ability to thrive even in challenging conditions.
“green of the raw fruits, the fist of” The poem extends the spectrum of green to include raw fruits. The mention of the fist suggests a vivid and intense green, emphasizing the visual and tactile qualities associated with the color.
“an emerald holding a vein of fire.” The color green is likened to an emerald that contains a vein of fire. This vivid and intense imagery adds a mystical and transformative quality to the color green.
“Black of the cave mouth, black of the” The color black is introduced, associated with the entrance of a cave. This imagery conveys a sense of depth, mystery, and the unknown.
“black iris, black of the holes in the” Black is further explored, now linked to the iris and the holes in the universe. This cosmic imagery suggests that black encompasses both the microscopic and macroscopic aspects of existence.
“net through which the stars show” The black is described as a net through which stars are visible. This celestial reference adds a sense of vastness and cosmic interconnectedness to the color black.
“and the planets, black of the” The black continues to be associated with celestial bodies, including stars and planets. This expands the metaphorical significance of black to include the cosmic realm.
“basket where the heart lies, flat” The color black is metaphorically linked to a basket where the heart lies. This personal and emotional association adds an introspective and intimate layer to the color.
“on the back of the mother of the” The black is now connected to the back of the mother, introducing a maternal and nurturing dimension. This association brings a sense of origin and sustenance to the color black.
“world, black of the pupil of the” The black pupil is referenced, adding a physiological and sensory aspect to the color. The mention of the mother of the world and the pupil suggests a connection between the cosmic and the personal.
“blind boy.” The poem concludes with the color black associated with a blind boy. This poignant and evocative image suggests a profound sense of darkness and the challenges faced by the blind boy in perceiving the world.

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Colors Passing Through Us Poem

Purple as tulips in May, mauve

into lush velvet, purple

as the stain blackberries leave

on the lips, on the hands,

the purple of ripe grapes

sunlit and warm as flesh.

Every day I will give you a color,

like a new flower in a bud vase

on your desk. Every day

I will paint you, as women

color each other with henna

on hands and on feet.

Red as henna, as cinnamon,

as coals after the fire is banked,

the cardinal in the feeder,

the roses tumbling on the arbor

their weight bending the wood

the red of the syrup I make from petals.

Orange as the perfumed fruit

hanging their globes on the glossy tree,

orange as pumpkins in the field,

orange as butterflyweed and the monarchs

who come to eat it, orange as my

cat running lithe through the high grass.

Yellow as a goat’s wise and wicked eyes,

yellow as a hill of daffodils,

yellow as dandelions by the highway,

yellow as butter and egg yolks,

yellow as a school bus stopping you,

yellow as a slicker in a downpour.

Here is my bouquet, here is a sing

song of all the things you make

me think of, here is oblique

praise for the height and depth

of you and the width too.

Here is my box of new crayons at your feet.

Green as mint jelly, green

as a frog on a lily pad twanging,

the green of cos lettuce upright

about to bolt into opulent towers,

green as Grand Chartreuse in a clear

glass, green as wine bottles.

Blue as cornflowers, delphiniums,

bachelors’ buttons. Blue as Roquefort,

blue as Saga. Blue as still water.

Blue as the eyes of a Siamese cat.

Blue as shadows on new snow, as a spring

azure sipping from a puddle on the blacktop.

Cobalt as the midnight sky

when day has gone without a trace

and we lie in each other’s arms

eyes shut and fingers open

and all the colors of the world

pass through our bodies like strings of fire.

Conclusion

Colors Passing Through Us by Marge Piercy is a contemplative and visually rich exploration of the diverse and transient nature of human experiences. Through the metaphor of colors, the poem delves into the interconnectedness of life, the impermanence of moments, and the profound impact of sensory stimuli on our perceptions and emotions. Piercy weaves together vivid imagery, celestial references, and personal associations to create a tapestry of human existence, highlighting the beauty and complexity found in the myriad colors passing through us. The poem encourages readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the richness of the human experience as shaped by a diverse spectrum of colors.

FAQ:

1. Who is Marge Piercy?

Marge Piercy is an American poet, novelist, and social activist. Born in 1936, she is known for her works that explore social and political themes, feminism, and the complexities of human relationships. “Colors Passing Through Us” reflects her poetic style and thematic interests.

2. What is the central theme of “Colors Passing Through Us”?

The central theme of the poem is the transient and diverse nature of human experiences. Through the metaphor of colors, the poem explores the interconnectedness of life, the impermanence of moments, and the profound impact of sensory stimuli on our perceptions and emotions.

3. How does the poem use colors as a metaphor?

Colors in the poem serve as a metaphor for the varied experiences that shape human life. Each color is associated with specific images, emotions, and aspects of existence, creating a rich tapestry that represents the spectrum of human experiences.

4. What is the significance of the celestial imagery in the poem?

Celestial imagery, such as references to stars, planets, and cosmic elements, adds a layer of depth and universality to the poem. It suggests that the human experience is intricately connected to the broader cosmos, emphasizing the vastness and interconnectedness of life.

5. How does the poem explore the theme of impermanence?

The poem conveys the theme of impermanence by depicting the fleeting nature of moments and experiences. The association of colors with various aspects of life underscores the transitory nature of time and the beauty found in the passing moments.

6. What is the significance of the personal and intimate associations in the poem?

Personal associations, such as references to a kitchen, the heart, or a blind boy, add an intimate and emotional dimension to the poem. These associations connect the cosmic and universal themes to the individual human experience, making the poem relatable and evocative.