Meaning: The quote by Sharon Olds, a renowned American poet, offers insight into the deeply personal nature of poetry and the intimate connection between the poet and their work. In this quote, Olds expresses a reluctance to refer to her poems as her own, suggesting a sense of detachment from the creative process and the resulting work. She acknowledges that while the poems are indeed her own creations, she feels a certain unease in claiming ownership of them. This sentiment reflects the complex relationship between the poet, their work, and the audience.

Olds' remark about not liking the sound of "my poems" can be interpreted as a reflection of her humility and vulnerability as a poet. It may also indicate her awareness of the intensely personal and revealing nature of her poetry. By expressing discomfort with the possessive pronoun "my" in relation to her poems, Olds acknowledges the deeply personal and intimate nature of her creative expression. This suggests that the poems are not just products of her individual creativity, but also manifestations of her innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Furthermore, Olds' statement alludes to the idea that the most meaningful and authentic connections to a poet's work come from those who are intimately familiar with the poet's personal experiences. She implies that only those who are truly close to the poet can fully appreciate and understand the depth of emotion and personal significance embedded in the poetry. This notion underscores the intimate and often confessional nature of much of Olds' own work, which frequently explores themes of family, relationships, and the human experience with unflinching honesty.

Sharon Olds is known for her raw and emotionally charged poetry that delves into the complexities of human relationships, sexuality, and the body. Her willingness to confront deeply personal and at times taboo subjects has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. Olds' poems often blur the line between the personal and the universal, inviting readers to empathize with her experiences while also finding resonance with their own lives.

It is worth noting that Olds' discomfort with the possessive "my" in relation to her poems may also stem from a desire to distance herself from any sense of self-importance or egotism. By eschewing a possessive claim to her poems, she positions herself as a conduit for the emotional and existential truths her poetry seeks to convey, rather than as the sole creator and owner of those truths. This stance reflects a sense of humility and reverence for the power of poetry to transcend individual identity and resonate with collective human experiences.

In conclusion, Sharon Olds' quote encapsulates the deeply personal and intimate nature of poetry, as well as the complex relationship between the poet and their work. Her reluctance to lay sole claim to her poems speaks to the vulnerability and humility inherent in the act of poetic creation, as well as the profound emotional and existential truths that poetry can reveal. Through her candid and introspective verse, Olds invites readers to engage with the universal through the lens of the personal, creating a space for empathy, understanding, and connection.