Obsession
In “The Elevator,” the narrator of the poem is an avid fan of musician Leonard Cohen By pure happenstance, she boards an elevator with him in it. When she realizes it is her idol that she’s standing with, she begins to share with readers the extent to which her obsession has overtaken her. She becomes convinced that Cohen is purposefully following her. She describes one of his concerts, wherein she made eye contact with him and became convinced that he was serenading only her. Despite the fact that it is clear that all of these instances are nothing more than coincidence, the narrator chooses to find deep meaning in each one. In this way, this poem explores the obsession that has overcome the narrator and can/does often overcome other members of society. Such an obsession is unhealthy, as it causes the individual to see meaning where there is none and develop relationships when two individuals have never met.
The Monotony of Relationships
In “Remark,” the narrator describes how an offhanded comment she made to her husband re-ignited in them a long-lost and youthful spark. Though the narrator does not specify what the remark was, it is clear that it was said using dry humor. In other words, the narrator was not intended to be humorous. And yet, her husband found humor in what she said and laughed—laughed in a way he had not done for many years. In this way, this poem exemplifies the monotony that often accompanies relationships after many years. The narrator uses this poem to show how a small, unassuming remark reminded the coupe of their lively and youthful years of marriage and re-instilled in them that sense of young love.
The Power of Possessions
In “What Every Woman Should Carry,” the narrator divulges a list of items (some material, some immaterial) that she believes every woman should have on her person at all times. In the beginning of the poem, these items—apart from a prayer she received from her mother—are all utilitarian, tangible items, such as Kleenex, money, and tampons. As the poem progresses, however, the narrator begins to describe her more prized possessions, which are no longer tangible. These items include the anguish of a loved ones’ expression; a space for a guardian angel; and the loss of ones’ youth. This poem therefore captures the power and importance of holding a select number of material and immaterial possessions close, for these possessions can ground us in reality and remind us of both our fondest and most painful experiences.
