Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Tony Hoagland's "Volunteer" is a profound reflection on the importance of living in the present, appreciating the moment, and embracing the responsibilities that come with joy and engagement. Through a series of vivid images and contemplative assertions, Hoagland urges readers to shift their focus from the past and abstract intellectual pursuits to the tangible, immediate experiences of life.

The poem begins with a clear directive: "Now is not the moment to be rounded off / by a turn-of-the-century childhood memory, or the expiration / of your favorite aunt; not the occasion to elucidate a painting by Degas." Here, Hoagland emphasizes that this is not the time for nostalgia or intellectual contemplation. Instead, he suggests that we refrain from "passing a law against the past" or shutting down "the factory responsible for making sense." This indicates an acknowledgment of the past's importance and the role of understanding, but it also underscores the value of being fully present.

Hoagland proposes that "it might be nice to wallow in the present for awhile," suggesting a deliberate immersion in the current moment. This idea is further developed with the vivid image of occupying "the molecules in the very nether surface of your fingertips / at the instant they make contact with a cold doorbell or a warm girl." This focus on sensory experiences highlights the tangible, immediate aspects of life that often go unnoticed.

The poet reflects on the human condition, noting that "All the time we've saved / since we stopped praying for our souls hasn't filled the hole inside the human gut; hasn't stopped the human nervous system from being very nervous." This observation suggests that despite advancements and changes in how we live, fundamental human anxieties and existential gaps remain. The search for meaning and peace continues, even in the absence of traditional religious practices.

Hoagland introduces the idea of finding "the point of intersection," a place where history and the present moment meet, allowing for a breathing space. This idea is encapsulated in the line: "But maybe, the precise frequency and wavelength where history stops repeating its directions and leaves some room to breathe." This suggests a delicate balance where we can learn from the past without being overwhelmed by it, creating space for new experiences and understanding.

The poem then moves to a more practical and hopeful tone, describing the simple yet profound task of engaging with the present: "just the job, on any given day, of raising the whole world above your head one aspirin, one teacup, one traffic ticket at a time." This metaphor of lifting the world in small, manageable parts underscores the incremental nature of change and engagement. The volunteer, who "might raise his hand to apply for evolution," symbolizes the willingness to embrace change and growth, even at the cost of altering one's identity.

Hoagland's prayerful plea, "Oh lord, allow me to continue to preach your gospel of rock and roll," captures the spirit of rebellion, joy, and connection that music often brings. This plea extends to shielding from fear and retraining minds from unhappiness, advocating for lives filled with "many strange delights." The poem suggests that part of our responsibility is to embrace joy and to live passionately and fully, even amid the challenges and responsibilities of life.

In "Volunteer," Tony Hoagland masterfully blends reflection and directive, urging readers to find meaning in the present and to embrace the joyful, immediate aspects of life. The poem is a call to engage with the world around us, to balance the weight of history with the vibrancy of the present, and to volunteer our hearts and minds to the pursuit of a life well-lived.

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