Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Snow in North Jersey" is a poem by August Kleinzahler, first published in his collection "The Strange Hours Travelers Keep" in 2004. Kleinzahler is known for his descriptive and often autobiographical poetry, which explores themes of memory, place, and identity.

Explanation:

The poem describes the experience of a winter storm in North Jersey. The speaker observes the snowfall and reflects on the ways in which it transforms the landscape and affects the people and animals living there. The poem also touches on themes of isolation and nostalgia, as the speaker remembers past winters spent in other parts of the country.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme or meter. It is composed of six stanzas of varying lengths.
• Imagery: Kleinzahler uses vivid sensory details to create a sense of place and atmosphere, such as "the stillness, the muted light," "the snowfall like ash," and "the skeletal trees."
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reflective and introspective, with a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time and place that is no longer accessible.
• Language: The language in the poem is simple and direct, with a focus on concrete details rather than abstract ideas. The use of colloquial language, such as "got a lot of snow," creates a sense of immediacy and familiarity.

Conclusion:

"Snow in North Jersey" is a contemplative poem that explores the experience of a winter storm in a specific geographic location. Through its use of vivid imagery and reflective tone, the poem creates a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time and place that has passed. Overall, the poem invites readers to reflect on the ways in which our environment shapes our experiences and memories.

Poem Snippet:

"Look how silent the snow is falling,

as though we are the only

things in the world."