"On the Subway" by Sharon Olds is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complexities and contradictions of human emotion and experience. Through a series of vivid and detailed imagery, Olds captures the intensity and intimacy of the subway ride, creating a sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and the other passengers.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the crowded subway car, full of people who are "pushed together" and "sweating." This imagery immediately creates a sense of discomfort and claustrophobia, as the speaker is forced to navigate the close quarters of the subway car with a group of strangers. Despite this, there is also a sense of connection and shared experience, as the speaker and the other passengers are all "travelling together" and "going somewhere."
As the poem progresses, Olds delves deeper into the emotional landscape of the subway ride, exploring the range of feelings and reactions that the speaker and the other passengers experience. The speaker observes a "fat man" who is "angry and sad," a "young woman" who is "terrified," and a "baby" who is "happy." This imagery serves to illustrate the complex and multifaceted nature of human emotion, and the ways in which our inner states can be reflected in the people around us.
At the same time, Olds also highlights the ways in which the subway ride can be a source of connection and understanding, as the speaker is able to find moments of empathy and compassion for the other passengers. For example, the speaker notes that the "fat man" is "pregnant with rage," and that the "terrified" young woman is "carrying a precious package." These descriptions suggest that the speaker is able to see beyond the surface appearances of the other passengers, and recognize the deeper feelings and experiences that are driving their emotions.
Overall, "On the Subway" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that invites readers to consider the ways in which we connect with others, and the ways in which our emotions and experiences shape our perceptions of the world around us. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem encourages us to look beyond the surface of things, and to recognize the complex and nuanced nature of human emotion.