Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Right Wave," John Hollander explores themes of anticipation, perseverance, and the pursuit of an ideal through the metaphor of navigating ocean waves. The poem reflects on the human experience of confronting challenges, the uncertainty of future endeavors, and the continuous search for moments of triumph and fulfillment.

The poem opens with an evocative image of emerging from a "last, spent / Disaster," suggesting a past filled with turmoil and struggle. The description of hair "like stringy kelps / Fringing our vision" emphasizes the lingering effects of these challenges, as the remnants of past experiences still cloud the speaker's perspective. Despite this, there is a sense of anticipation as the "next / Wave gathering its churning substance / As if for us only." This personification of the wave, as though it is specifically forming for the observer, highlights the idea of individual destiny and the unique challenges and opportunities that life presents.

Hollander delves into the fleeting nature of life’s moments, particularly for "wavering / Lovers," suggesting that there are "only present moments, only / Crests." This emphasis on the present underscores the transient nature of experience and the importance of seizing the moment. The line "to plunge into the broad / Deeps is to be mistaken" warns against losing oneself in the depths of uncertainty and despair. The reference to specific waves, such as the "ninth wave of the cycle" or the "Fourth," introduces the idea of cycles and patterns in life, where some challenges may be overwhelming.

The imagery of "Eyes bleached into shining flatness / By the overexposure of our black black dive" conveys the physical and emotional toll of enduring hardships. The contrast between the "shining flatness" of the eyes and the "black black dive" suggests a numbing effect, where intense experiences have dulled the speaker's sensitivity. Despite this, the focus remains on the horizon: "we stare / Seaward, not back toward the beach," indicating a forward-looking perspective and an unwavering resolve to face whatever comes next.

The poem’s climax is marked by the hopeful vision of the "next mountain / That may carry us on to the golden lands, / Triumphant, and reposed." This imagery evokes a sense of aspiration and the belief in reaching a place of ultimate fulfillment and peace. The "golden lands" symbolize an ideal state of being, a destination worth striving for despite the continuous onslaught of challenges.

Hollander concludes with a profound statement about belief and perseverance: "But here, beyond the shingle of joy / And the broad shelf of love, / Not going under, not / Turning back / Is believing in the right wave." This final thought encapsulates the essence of the poem, where the act of persisting, of maintaining hope and forward momentum, is itself an act of faith. The "right wave" becomes a metaphor for the ultimate opportunity or moment of success that one must believe in and strive toward, despite past failures and present uncertainties.

In "The Right Wave," John Hollander masterfully combines rich imagery and contemplative insights to explore the human condition's resilience and hope. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of enduring through life's turbulent moments and maintaining faith in the possibility of reaching one's own "golden lands." Through the metaphor of waves, Hollander captures the relentless nature of challenges and the unwavering spirit required to navigate them.

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