Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan's "You Came with Shells" is a contemplative piece that captures the transient nature of human connections and the lasting impact of seemingly simple gestures. The poem begins with the arrival of shells, a symbol of beauty and mystery, brought by someone to the speaker. These shells, initially admired on the table, now lie on the speaker's desk, transformed by the mundane light of a 60-watt bulb. The shift from a setting where shells are "beautiful" to one where they are "peculiar" and "extraordinary" suggests a change in perception, highlighting how objects imbued with personal significance can carry complex emotions over time.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes an act of destruction or disturbance. By moving their feet in the water, they disrupt the light and the window, symbolizing a moment of change or realization. The light, representing clarity or enlightenment, is extinguished by this action, leaving a sense of loss or confusion. This act of disturbing the natural element—the water—can be seen as a metaphor for how human actions and emotions can disrupt the natural flow of life and relationships.

The poem then transitions to a scene involving the moon and driving at night. The moon's movement from the left to the right side of the windshield symbolizes the passage of time and the constant change in perspectives. The "white lines on a road" are seen as "reasonable," providing a rare moment of clarity or certainty amidst the confusion and uncertainty of life. However, the presence of fog, which necessitates slowing down, represents obstacles and the need for caution in navigating one's journey.

The speaker reflects on the concept of a "natural environment," suggesting that they feel out of place or disconnected from their surroundings. This feeling of being "out of our element" resonates with the earlier image of shells, which are out of their natural habitat and placed in a new, artificial context. The idea of getting "away completely" hints at a desire for escape or a return to a state of simplicity and authenticity, but the shells remain as a reminder of the past and the lingering effects of loss.

The final lines, "but the shells / will tell about the howling / and the loss," bring the poem full circle. The shells, initially symbols of beauty, now carry the weight of memory and emotion. They serve as silent witnesses to the experiences of the speaker, encapsulating the pain and sorrow that accompany the journey through life. The "howling" evokes a sense of primal grief or longing, while the "loss" underscores the theme of impermanence and the inevitability of change.

"You Came with Shells" is a poignant meditation on the intersections of beauty, memory, and loss. Through the simple yet evocative imagery of shells, water, moonlight, and fog, Jordan explores the complexities of human emotions and the enduring impact of our interactions with others. The poem's reflective tone invites readers to consider their own experiences of love, loss, and the ways in which seemingly small gestures can leave lasting impressions.

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