First Stanza

Sexton uses the title “Courage” to explore its theme. In the first stanza, the word “it” refers to courage, which is illustrated by examples that follow. Sexton compares something as seemingly insignificant as a “child’s first step” to a significant event like an earthquake, suggesting that taking a first step is a monumental event both literally and metaphorically. Through these examples, Sexton aims to highlight the bravery found in everyday, often ordinary, moments. As a confessional poet, Sexton is likely reflecting on personal experiences, yet these moments are universally relatable, emphasized by her use of “we” and “you.” Many examples are drawn from childhood, a period of exploration and new experiences, which is also when humans are most vulnerable. This vulnerability often leads to suffering, which Sexton notes is frequently suppressed. This is expressed in the lines “you drank their acid / and concealed it.” Here, “they” refers to those who inflict harm, such as bullies and abusers.

Second Stanza

The second stanza opens with the single word, “Later,” indicating the period following childhood, likely late adolescence or early adulthood. The use of “if” suggests a conditional scenario for those who may have fought in the Vietnam War (“the death of bombs and bullets”). Like the first stanza, Sexton employs a series of metaphors to illustrate how people demonstrate courage at different stages of life. While the first stanza addresses both genders, this stanza primarily seems to address men (though it should be acknowledged that women also served in the Vietnam War). Lines 3–5 emphasize the concept of modesty, as the soldier faces death not with enthusiasm or pride (“a banner”) but with humility, symbolized by the hat-covered heart. Sexton revisits the theme of suppression, this time likening courage to “a small coal / you kept swallowing.” The final two lines reveal how courage can also manifest as a form of love, which, like “shaving soap,” is encountered daily.

Third Stanza

In this stanza, Sexton presents a series of vivid images to illustrate the recovery process after emotional wounds. The “fire” symbolizes the pain, while the “coal” and “acid” mentioned in the earlier stanzas represent the emotional burdens the speaker endures. The speaker finds healing by metaphorically cleansing herself of this pain through a symbolic blood transfusion: “picking the scabs off your heart, / then wringing it out like a sock.” The speaker comforts herself and allows time to mend her sorrow by tending to it gently: powdering it, giving it a backrub, and letting it rest. These nurturing actions evoke the care given to a baby, suggesting that the self also deserves such attention and tenderness. The stanza concludes with a reference to the phoenix, a legendary bird that lives for 500 years, self-immolates, and is reborn from its ashes to live another 500 years. This imagery conveys the idea that humans, too, can emerge from the “ashes” of their despair and pain if they are patient and care for themselves.

Fourth Stanza

In the concluding stanza, Sexton reflects on the bravery of the elderly and their resilience, finding hope in events like spring, which symbolizes renewal. The stanza opens with a euphemism, describing death as the “natural conclusion” to aging. Euphemisms provide a gentler way to express something harsh or unpleasant. The seemingly ordinary image of “carpet slippers” highlights the quiet heroism of the “everyman” (or woman) who lives life mostly unnoticed and uncelebrated, yet demonstrates courage by persevering and maintaining hope. The final image is both Sexton’s imaginative vision and a poetic portrayal of the ordinary person. Known for her preoccupation with death, Sexton often envisioned her own demise, a recurring theme in much of her poetry.