Whenever I read poems, the first thing I do is look at the title and try to decipher its meaning. Then, I read the poem and try to figure out how it applies, since titles are also supposed to be meaningful. From context gained through reading the poem, it appears that the narrator is in a secret relationship where there is little to no care or even solidarity. Post-coital, the narrator is left alone “to pick pine needles / from [their] hair, to brush brown / leaves off [their] shirt” (Saeed). This imagery conveys the narrator’s loneliness as they try to right themselves, putting themselves back together without any help. Themes of loneliness are not only present in this poem, but are relevant throughout this entire collection.
Thinking back to the title, being on the “…Edge of Woods” could be interpreted in multiple ways. In the most literal sense, the title refers to the location in which the narrator is having relations: at the edge of the woods. Although, my first thought was that the woods were a metaphor for sexuality, which is fitting in my opinion as the woods are often seen as wild and overgrow by some, but bring peace and a connection to life for others. Given this interpretation, I think that the narrator feels like they’re on the edge of their sexuality, in that they can’t experience or fully come to terms with the sexuality they identify with. This sentiment could be the reason why the narrator is in a secret relationship and/or the secret relationship could be reinforcing this feeling. Community also plays a large part in sexuality and the narrator may feel like they’re on the edge of their community because they feel like an imposter or they’re unable to accept or come to terms with their sexual identity.
I think your focus on the literal location of this poem is really interesting. Like in many of Jones’ poems, the title provides vital context to the location and subject of the poem, so I think your analysis of the title is really important. The importance of the title in this poem reminds me of “Boy Found Inside Wolf,” where Jones’ title also sets the context for the action in the poem, which is the narrator climbing out of a wolf. Although the metaphors differ because that poem is about the narrator’s relationship with his father, the titles are equally important for the readers understanding of the poem.