Walking Our Boundaries

by Audre Lorde

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Summary

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Audre Lorde's poem "Walking Our Boundaries" stands as a poignant reflection on life and love following her intense battle with breast cancer. Through the poem, she weaves a narrative of healing and renewal, using the setting of a garden to explore themes of resilience and partnership. The verses capture a serene walk she takes with her partner, revealing a deep bond and the soothing power of nature.

Symbolism and Emotional Rebirth

The poem opens with a vivid image of a new beginning: "This first bright day has broken/ the back of winter./ We rise from war/ . . . / both stunned that sun can shine so brightly/ after all our pain." These lines set the tone for a journey from struggle to recovery, symbolically breaking free from winter’s grip. As she and her partner traverse their "joint holding," the pair discuss ordinary matters with a newfound sense of relief, suggesting the severity of "last winter’s storm." Lorde skillfully intertwines symbolism with tangible emotions, stressing the importance of embracing reality over symbols: "it does not pay to cherish symbols/ when the substance/ lies so close at hand/ waiting to be held."

The Healing Touch of Love

Lorde’s writing captures the tender intimacy between the lovers as "her lover’s hand falls off the apple bark/ like casual fire/ along my back," marking the end of her emotional winter. This gentle touch mirrors the sun’s role in melting away the physical winter, underscoring the healing power of love and connection. The poem's calm and delicate tone contrasts sharply with the raw emotions depicted in her earlier work, The Cancer Journals, highlighting the peace that follows the fierce battles of life.

Power and Anger in The Cancer Journals

In The Cancer Journals, Lorde candidly addresses her struggles with maintaining her sense of power amidst illness. She fiercely critiques the medical establishment for perpetuating the victim mentality in patients, expressing her frustration through biting commentary. Her writings bristle with contempt for the expectation to resume normalcy post-treatment and mastectomy. However, amidst this anger, Lorde acknowledges the formidable strength she draws from the love and support of friends and her partner, whom she likens to a sunflower. This profound love and gratitude are central to "Walking Our Boundaries," offering a sense of solace and appreciation.

The Quiet Triumph of Spirit

The concluding stanza of "Walking Our Boundaries" encapsulates the fragility and wonder experienced by the two women. Their voices "seem too loud for this small yard/ too tentative for women/ so in love." Despite physical signs of decay, such as "the siding has come loose in spots," the strength of their spirits prevails. The line "our footsteps hold this place/ together/ as our place" poignantly illustrates how their love and unity sustain the life within their home and garden. The poem closes with a hopeful vision, as Lorde contemplates planting anew, symbolizing their resilience and anticipation of life's continued growth.

Resilience and Renewal

Ultimately, "Walking Our Boundaries" offers a narrative of renewal and hope. Lorde’s depiction of a simple walk in the garden evolves into a metaphor for healing and the enduring strength found in love and partnership. Even amidst uncertainty about when joy will fully return, the poem suggests a forward-looking resolve, planning for future seasons of growth and laughter.

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