Reply #2: By way of explanation, here is a statement by the author about this poem: [View All]

[BlueIris]

(Moss wrote this of "An Anointing" in The Best American Poetry 1992)

"'An Anointing' is all in italics, just as it should be, I think, in order to consecrate the moment when these two girls simultaneously become aware of personal holiness, of the sacredness just of existence. What is wondrous is the simultaneity; both girls arrive at identical knowledge with the exact timing that permits sharing and therefore communion. It is poem of unity where unity may also mean acquisition of self-wholeness, sort of like the reintegration of multiple personalities into one. Each learns to be her own salvation, and the poem is a celebration of that learning. One praises, elevates the other at the same time. It is a poem of exemplary self-esteem and of both personal and community triumph. The poem emphasizes the logic of discovery and insists upon honest exploration of identity. Accordingly, the poem is also about acceptance. Molly and the speaker quite simply are best friends, two adolescent girls who recognize the potential of their relationship to be their only legitimate claim to true love. These are such empowering, such liberating ideas and sentiments that the occasion of the poem is immortalized. No matter what occurs in their lives, this moment will always be for them, just as it was, as it is. As for the lesbian implications of the poem, well, the are absolutely necessary, fundamental to the girls' discovery. Whether or not their lives are eventually heterosexually realized, they need to first come to terms with their femaleness in ways conducive to triumph, respect, integrity and joy. They discover what is wonderful and worthy, perhaps even superior, in being female, so are therefore most able to encourage and praise each other. All needs are met. They are girls without deficits. They are so whole and so aware of their vitality that they know they qualify as goddesses. And just as supernatural beings have to do, Molly and the speaker give birth to each other. They do whatever they have to do. With such ability, how can they ever be without what they need? So, yes, they’re a bit smug, but nevertheless, they are enviable.

Is Molly 'real'? Indeed she is within the scope of the poem, but this Molly is not based on anything more than my own feeling of completion. If these girls had to be derived from reality, then I would say that they are two parts of myself, embracing and coming together; me getting acquainted with me as only I can. Beyond that, the poem is an attempt to recapture the best and mischievous part of youth, a real exercise in curiosity and approval."