Since Christmas they have lived with us,
Guileless and clear,
Oval soul-animals,
Taking up half the space,
Moving and rubbing on the silk
Invisible air drifts,
Giving a shriek and pop
When attacked, then scooting to rest, barely trembling.
Yellow cathead, blue fish —-
Such queer moons we live with
Instead of dead furniture!
Straw mats, white walls
And these traveling
Globes of thin air, red, green,
Delighting
The heart like wishes or free
Peacocks blessing
Old ground with a feather
Beaten in starry metals.
Your small
Brother is making
His balloon squeak like a cat.
Seeming to see
A funny pink world he might eat on the other side of it,
He bites,
Then sits
Back, fat jug
Contemplating a world clear as water.
A red
Shred in his little fist.
Background to this poem
Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) is often remembered for the darker, more turbulent side of her writing; however, her poem "Balloons" offers a gentler moment that many readers find surprisingly tender. Written late in her life, it captures a quiet domestic scene just after Christmas, when a few leftover balloons still linger around the home. These small, colorful shapes become symbols of lightness and curiosity, and Plath treats them with almost childlike wonder. You can read more about the poem's publication history on the incredible Poem Analysis website.
The poem describes the balloons as bright visitors that stand out against the stillness of the household. Their colors float softly through the room and seem alive, almost like little companions. In a season when many homes settle back into routine after the holiday rush, this image feels familiar. The poem reminds us of that gentle in-between time when Christmas decorations may still be hovering in corners, catching the winter light as if they have their own quiet magic.
Plath also adds a touch of tension. The balloons are delicate; they can "shriek" or "pop" if pressed too hard. A young child in the poem bites into one, and Plath describes the moment with a mix of innocence and surprise. This adds a layer of meaning; joy can be fragile, and the things that brighten our homes do not last forever. That brief image of a child holding a torn balloon feels like a small echo of how quickly celebrations pass. A warm overview of these themes can be found over at Literary Devices.
For readers who enjoy Christmas crafts or handmade cards, the imagery in "Balloons" offers lots of inspiration. The soft colors, the floating shapes, and the sense of calm after the holiday excitement can all be used in visual projects. A line from the poem could pair beautifully with a watercolor background or a simple balloon-shaped tag. Even though the poem is not strictly a Christmas work, the setting around the holiday season gives it a gentle festive touch.
"Balloons" is a lovely choice for anyone who enjoys literature that blends everyday life with a hint of wonder. Plath invites you to pause and notice the small, bright things that stay with you after Christmas day has passed. If you are looking for a thoughtful poem to include in a scrapbook, a homemade card, or a cozy winter reading list, this one fits beautifully.