More Than Enough by Marge Piercy

 

 

The poem, “More than Enough” by Marge Piercy highlights the season of spring and the restoration of nature. Piercy begins her poem by personifying a flower. She states in the poem: “The first lily of June opens its red mouth.”  She describes the blossoming of the flower as a mouth opening up. This image can be viewed as someone, yawning; stretching and getting out of bed after a long rest. This is definitely how it seems for the flowers after a wintry season. The color red also symbolizes life and love which definitely creates a positive environment to share with loved ones and family. This idea is supported in the second line which says, “All over the sand road where we walk.” What is most important in this paragraph is the idea that the poet says, “We” to show that this moment and experience is being shared with someone. Throughout the poem, the beauty and fragrance of flowers are described. Words such as “simple, intense” show how nature seem so simple yet priceless. Its beauty is naturally created.

 

The author speaks about the bees will enjoy the season since the flowers are blossoming to provide them with nectar. The season of spring is very beneficial to all. At the end of the poem the poet says, “Rich fresh wine /of June, we stagger into you smeared /with pollen, overcome as the turtle /laying her eggs in roadside sand.” It can be said that Piercy compares the effects of the season to the effects of someone who is drunk. She uses the word stagger which is normally used to describe the way a drunken man walk. Therefore I believe that she is saying that we are positively overwhelmed by the beauty of the season and its relaxing environment where everything seems to be so amazing and natural. Spring is a sight to behold and the poet believes that we should be grateful for it as the title says, “More Than Enough.” This simply means the season of spring-- when flowers bloom and nature is alive; it’s all that what we can ask for.