One Secret Thing by Sharon Olds is a poetry collection that explores themes of love, grief, family, and war with her signature raw and intimate style. The poems navigate personal and historical trauma, particularly focusing on the death of her mother and the impact of war. Key themes include: • Mother-daughter relationship: A deeply personal exploration of her mother’s illness, death, and the complex emotions surrounding it. • War and violence: Poems that reflect on the horrors of war, including its personal and collective toll. • Love and intimacy: Meditations on relationships, desire, and human connection. • Memory and loss: A recurring theme of processing grief and looking back on formative experiences. Olds’ poetry in this collection is known for its vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and unflinching honesty.