Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Find," John Hollander meditates on the intertwined nature of loss and discovery, reflecting on how objects, once lost and found, carry emotional and symbolic weight. Through vivid imagery and philosophical musings, Hollander explores the concept of ownership, the emotional resonance of found objects, and the transient nature of material possessions.

The poem opens with a contemplation of the adage "Finders keepers, losers weepers," questioning whether those who find and keep are truly fortunate, and whether those who lose are necessarily unfortunate. Hollander suggests that often "finders keep / Too often what they should have thrown away," implying that the act of finding is not always beneficial. In contrast, some people "lose everything, then later seem / To have found something important," indicating that loss can sometimes lead to meaningful discoveries.

The poem then shifts to a specific scenario: the discovery of a "small, bright object" behind a sofa during a move. The object's past owner is unknown, and it has been lodged in "forgotten dust" for years. This discovery is not seen as a stroke of luck but as "a bit of baggage / Transferred to someone's advantage." The ambiguity of ownership and the object's mysterious history add layers of meaning to the find. The object "gleamed" but did not declare itself valuable in any obvious way; instead, it provoked the question "Whose?" This highlights the philosophical idea that ownership is a complex and often ambiguous concept.

Hollander reflects on the nature of possession with the line, "(If property were theft, then theft would lose / All meaning, being inauthentic possession)." This suggests that the very concept of owning something is fraught with contradictions. The object's momentary blaze of value quickly recedes, leaving the finders with a sense of guilt and ambiguity: "We couldn't claim, / Except in guilty whispers, / That it really wasn't ours."

The poem delves deeper into the emotional impact of finding the object, likening it to a pearl—valuable anywhere, yet lost only to its owner. The loss of such an object evokes grief, as it becomes "the fault / Of someone, as it turned a somersault / And buried itself in silence." This imagery conveys the object’s journey from a meaningful possession to a lost item, highlighting the emotional significance attached to material belongings.

As the poem progresses, the finders grapple with their feelings of loss and discovery. The act of finding the object rekindles memories of the past, described in a tender and nostalgic tone: "the soft light in our living room, the pale / Warmth of the dying fire." These memories are interrupted by the intrusion of the present, symbolized by a phone call. The poem captures the tension between the past and the present, between what was lost and what is found.

Hollander concludes with a poignant address to the "Loser, keeper of the scene you gained / By our loss." This line encapsulates the paradox of finding and losing, as the finders' gain is inextricably linked to the loser's loss. The poem calls on the loser to remember the details of the shared past: "the soft light," "the phone," and "the sad / Shudder of sudden loss." The final lines, "Our find was assured; our seizure / Of loss, a well-planted treasure," suggest that the true value of the found object lies not in its material worth but in its ability to evoke and preserve memories.

"The Find" by John Hollander is a rich exploration of the themes of loss, discovery, and the emotional significance of material objects. Through its contemplative tone and intricate imagery, the poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities of ownership and the enduring impact of the things we lose and find in our lives.

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