Clownlike, happiest on your hands, / Feet to the stars, and moon-skulled
-- Speaker (Lines 1-2)

Importance: These opening lines paint a joyous, whimsical picture of the speaker’s unborn child. The word “clownlike” suggests both a physical upside-down stance and a sense of freedom. The child is described as having their feet high above their head, with a bald head as bright and round as the moon. It’s worth noting that astrological imagery such as this recurs repeatedly throughout Plath’s work.

O high-riser, my little loaf
-- Speaker (Line 9)

Importance: This line takes a warm and heartfelt approach to the often derogatory colloquialism of a “bun in the oven” to describe pregnancy. The phrase “high-riser” gives this idea a more positive spin as the speaker imagines their child’s future, not only rising within their womb but rising to their potential within the wider world. The word “loaf” also alludes to comforts of the home.

Vague as...
-- Speaker (Lines 10-11)