Blue Jeans

Blue jeans are mentioned in the first stanza as a descriptor of the young male werewolves who “burst through their bluejean clothing” (Line 2). Although women can and do wear blue jeans, this item of clothing has become irrevocably tied to a very specific male cultural figure: the all-American mid-century everyman who takes style cues from legacies like Marlon Brando and James Dean. The image roots the poem in both humanity as a whole and a particular cultural time period.

Blood

Blood is only mentioned directly once, when the women leave their “first dates’ blood on the stairs” (Line 36). However, its influence is felt through the poem. Initially, it underlies the pervasive sense of violence and tragedy; later, it becomes a symbol of women’s passion and power, particularly in their “red-rimmed paws” (Line 22). It’s also worth considering the contrasting relationships men and women have...