Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marilyn Hacker's "Ballad of Ladies Lost and Found" is a rich tapestry woven with the lives and legacies of notable women throughout history. Through a series of vivid vignettes, Hacker pays homage to these women, celebrating their contributions while also reflecting on the often-overlooked or underappreciated aspects of their lives. The repeated refrain, "and plain old Margaret Fuller died as well," serves as a somber reminder of the inevitability of death and the ways in which women's achievements are often overshadowed or forgotten.

The poem begins with a broad query: "Where are the women who, entre deux guerres, / came out on college-graduation trips, / came to New York on football scholarships, / came to town meeting in a decorous pair?" Hacker sets the stage by evoking images of women embarking on new adventures and making strides in a world not always welcoming to their ambitions. This opening stanza highlights the diversity of experiences and backgrounds, from college graduates to expatriates and intellectuals.

The mention of H.D. and Margaret Fuller brings to the forefront two women who were pivotal in their respective fields. H.D., or Hilda Doolittle, was a significant figure in modernist poetry, while Margaret Fuller was a pioneering journalist, critic, and women's rights advocate. The reference to H.D.'s bisexuality and Fuller's plainness underscores the varied identities and perceptions of these women.

As the poem progresses, Hacker continues to enumerate a litany of remarkable women, each with her unique story. The Chevalier d'Eon, a French diplomat and spy who lived part of her life as a woman, and Big Sweet, a blues musician associated with Zora Neale Hurston, exemplify the diverse paths women have taken. The inclusion of figures like Colette, Sojourner Truth, and Zora Neale Hurston further broadens the scope, illustrating the vast array of fields and causes these women championed.

Hacker's language is both evocative and precise, capturing the essence of each woman's legacy. For example, the line "Sojourner's sojourned where she need not pack / decades of whitegirl conscience on her back" poignantly encapsulates Sojourner Truth's enduring impact on the fight for racial and gender equality.

The refrain, "and plain old Margaret Fuller died as well," serves multiple purposes. It anchors the poem, providing a rhythmic and thematic continuity, while also reminding the reader of the impermanence of life and the common fate that befalls all, regardless of their achievements. This refrain also serves as a critique of how society often reduces complex, accomplished women to mere footnotes in history.

In the stanza dedicated to literary and artistic figures, Hacker references Stevie Smith, known for her plaintive and often morose poetry, and Rosa Bonheur, a French artist who defied gender norms. The stanza reflects on how these women's talents and identities were often constrained by societal expectations.

The poem's later stanzas delve into the intersections of race, gender, and class, with references to figures like Ida B. Wells and Susan B. Anthony, suggesting a solidarity and shared struggle among women across different backgrounds. The hypothetical dialogue between these historical figures underscores the ongoing nature of their struggles and the need for continued advocacy.

Hacker's inclusion of women from diverse cultural and historical contexts, such as Sappho, Hrotsvitha, and Artemisia Gentileschi, further emphasizes the universal and timeless nature of women's contributions to art, literature, and society. Each woman's story is a thread in the larger fabric of female achievement and resilience.

The concluding stanzas reflect on personal and collective memory, urging readers to acknowledge and honor these women's legacies. The lines "Make your own footnotes; it will do you good. / Emeritae have nothing to explain." encourage readers to actively engage with and document the histories of these women, ensuring their stories are not lost to time.

Ultimately, "Ballad of Ladies Lost and Found" is a powerful and moving tribute to the myriad ways women have shaped and continue to shape the world. Hacker's poem serves as both a celebration and a call to remember, ensuring that the contributions of these remarkable women are acknowledged and preserved for future generations.

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