Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"My Father's Diary (2)" by Sharon Olds revisits the intimate exploration of her father's past, using the diary as a lens through which to understand his youth, emotions, and identity. The poem continues the narrative of "My Father's Diary (1)," delving deeper into the father's experiences and the significant impact of a woman named Lois on his life. Through detailed and tender descriptions, Olds reflects on the universal desire for connection and understanding, as well as the complexities of familial relationships.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the act of opening her father's diary, emphasizing the physicality of the object with "the brass scarab legs of its locks." The scarab, a symbol of protection and transformation, suggests that the diary holds precious, possibly transformative insights. Inside, the "stacked, shy wealth of his print" contrasts with the idea of writing in cursive, which he could not do. This detail about his inability to write in script adds a personal touch, highlighting his unique way of expressing himself.

The entries in the diary reveal mundane aspects of daily life, such as "WENT TO LOOK AT A CAR," "DAD IN A GOOD MOOD AT DINNER," and "TRIED OUT SOME RACQUETS." These ordinary activities paint a picture of a life filled with small, everyday moments, giving the impression of a life of relative comfort and normalcy. However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn with the entry about "spun his father's DeSoto on the ice," a moment of danger and excitement that disrupts the calmness of the preceding entries. The imagery of a "young tree whirled up to the hood, throwing up her arms" personifies the tree, adding a sense of drama and urgency to the scene.

The introduction of Lois marks a significant shift in the tone and content of the diary. The repeated mentions of Lois—playing tennis with her, having lunch with her, driving with her—culminate in an exclamation of intense admiration and affection: "LOIS! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! SHE IS SO GOOD, SO SWEET, SO GENEROUS, I HAVE NEVER, WHAT HAVE I EVER DONE TO DESERVE SUCH A GIRL?" This outpouring of emotion reveals the depth of the father's feelings for Lois, painting a picture of a young man overwhelmed by love and gratitude.

Olds uses poetic language to describe the emotions captured in the diary. The imagery of "moonlight" and "the self of the grown boy pouring out" suggests a sense of vulnerability and openness. The father is depicted as "kneeling in pine-needle weave, worshiping her," a metaphor that elevates his feelings to a spiritual level, indicating reverence and devotion. This depiction of the father as "good" and "grateful" contrasts with the image of him as "dead," underscoring the poignancy of discovering these emotions posthumously.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the significance of these diary entries. The speaker recognizes that these "small structures of his young brain" are a legacy left behind by her father, a way for him to communicate his inner life to her. The repetition of "he wanted me to know him, he wanted someone to know him" emphasizes the universal human desire to be understood and remembered. This final acknowledgment serves as a touching testament to the enduring connections between past and present, and the ways in which we seek to connect with the lives of those who came before us.

"My Father's Diary (2)" is a tender and introspective continuation of the exploration of a parent's past, emphasizing the importance of understanding and empathy in familial relationships. Sharon Olds masterfully uses the diary as a metaphorical and literal window into her father's youth, capturing the complexities of love, memory, and the desire for connection. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and cherishing the personal histories that shape our identities and relationships.

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