Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Snow Falling Through Fog," William Matthews explores the complexities of perception and the metaphors we use to understand the natural world. The poem begins with a reflection on how we once imagined the ocean floor: a quiet, continuous descent of "dead / diatoms and forams drifting," accumulating like a gentle snowfall on underwater landscapes. This initial image evokes a serene and delicate process, akin to snow settling on the ocean's hidden mountains and plains, forming a "soggy / dust."

The metaphor of "a steady snow" of microscopic organisms suggests a slow, constant process of accumulation, much like how our understanding of the world builds over time. Matthews contrasts this image with the idea that such a "weather" could lead to a "parched earth," a "ball of salt." Here, he imagines a hypothetical scenario where, if this process continued unchecked, it would result in an earth covered entirely in salt, devoid of life—a "perfect, done" state of completion and barrenness.

As the poem progresses, Matthews shifts from the serene image of snowfall to the dynamic and violent process of tectonic activity. He describes the ocean floor as consisting of "several floors, vast plates / grinding against each other," drawing a parallel between the physical grinding of tectonic plates and the metaphorical grinding of ideas. The use of "plates" becomes a playful critique, as Matthews notes that the term suggests a flatness that does not align with the earth's true, round nature. This observation highlights how language and metaphor can sometimes distort reality, influenced by the limitations of our perception and the shapes of our own eyes.

Matthews explores the concept of metaphor further, suggesting that our "round eyes / flatten the round earth" whenever we lack a compelling metaphor to guide our understanding. This line emphasizes the role of perspective in shaping our reality, acknowledging that our interpretations are often constrained by the limitations of language and perception. The idea that "the basins would never fill up / even with our bad ideas" suggests an infinite capacity for reinterpretation and understanding, implying that no amount of flawed thinking can completely define or limit the natural world.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the role of information and perception. As "information keeps our senses linked," the fog thins, allowing us to see "more of the air the snow defines." This metaphor suggests that knowledge and understanding can help clarify our perception, making the world more comprehensible. The final image of snow as "a syllabus of starfish" brings the poem full circle, returning to the ocean floor's rich and varied life. This line beautifully captures the idea that even seemingly simple natural phenomena, like falling snow, can carry profound and complex meanings, much like a syllabus outlines the scope of a subject.

"Snow Falling Through Fog" is a meditation on perception, metaphor, and the nature of understanding. Matthews skillfully weaves together images of the natural world with reflections on the limitations and potential of human cognition. The poem invites readers to consider how our metaphors shape our understanding of reality, reminding us that even our best attempts to describe the world are influenced by our perceptions and the language we use. Through its contemplative and richly detailed imagery, the poem explores the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and the ever-evolving process of making sense of it.

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