Elizabeth Bishop's "One Art"

The title of this poem implies that the subject matter discussed in this poem - losing - is something rather difficult. A work of art is one that has to be crafted, molded and perfected before it is presented to an audience. Hence, despite being described as something simple in the poem, the art of losing is an intricate one. It is ironic that the choice of words that imply simplicity is paired with the deep meaning of art. However, it is perfectly put together to bring out Bishop's mixed emotions and indecisiveness of losing her love partner. It is almost as if she is tricking herself to believing that it is an easy task. All in all, as deceptive an artwork can be, the art of losing is nowhere far from it.

Kelly Lim