Explain lines 4 and 5 of "The Silken Tent."

This poem was originally entitled "In Praise of Your Poise." The poem on the surface describes the woman the poet loves as a "silken tent." This description allows for the woman to be at once soft and tender and at the same time resolute and unwavering. Thus the tent itself "gently sways at ease" as the woman is able to be kind and flexible in her relationships. She does not have to be prickly, advocating for herself and warding off any assaults. She is able to bend and relent at the right times for the right people. The "countless silken ties of love and thought" allow her to think of others' needs and give accordingly.

However, as lines 4 and 5 point out, this woman has a very firm core: "its supporting central cedar pole." The woman's strong core values make sure that she does not veer too far from what is right and acceptable. She will not bend when it comes to her morals or her inner convictions. The description that this cedar pole, the woman's core being, has "its pinnacle to heavenward" suggests that her religious faith keeps her centered and sure of herself. She doesn't have to base her decisions on her own ideas but has a strong faith that grounds her, giving her confidence in who she is and what she does. 

One could also read this poem as a metaphor where the woman, "the silken tent," symbolizes love itself. In that case, the same ideas apply but describe love rather than an individual woman. In other words, love allows one to bend and give on the little things even as one remains true to core values. Love exhibits the perfect blend of strength and flexibility.