Balladz

In Balladz, Sharon Olds explores themes of love, loss, and resilience as she reflects on her life and the world around her.

In Balladz, Sharon Olds, one of America's most celebrated poets, reflects on the complexities of life as she approaches her eightieth year. This collection captures a range of emotions, from fear and fragility to a profound love of life. Olds begins with poignant quarantine poems that resonate with the current zeitgeist, exploring themes of isolation and introspection. The journey continues with her 'Amherst Balladz', a tribute to the iconic poet Emily Dickinson, where Olds expresses a deep connection to Dickinson's spirit and legacy.

Throughout Balladz, Olds weaves together memories of lost friends and lovers, intertwining her childhood, young adulthood, and the wisdom of old age. She confronts her own white privilege and reflects on her mother's experiences, illustrating the generational complexities of identity and heritage. The poet's keen observations extend to the human body, celebrating its beauty and imperfections, even in the face of aging. Olds also casts a critical eye on the natural world, lamenting its degradation while marveling at its enduring wonders.

Renowned for her unflinching honesty and bold originality, Olds' work in Balladz emerges from a time marked by loss and uncertainty. As she navigates the emotional landscape of her life, she ultimately offers a message of resilience and connection, asserting that 'love is the love of who we are, it is a form of knowing.' This collection serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit amidst life's challenges.