Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's poem "Above" is a layered exploration of the sky, capturing a series of ascending vignettes that reflect the natural and man-made elements populating the space above us. The poem’s structure mirrors this ascent, moving from the immediate and tangible to the distant and abstract, creating a sense of upward movement and expanding perspective.

The poem opens with the delicate image of "orange translucent butterflies" gliding "over a smoke of gnats above the trees." This initial scene situates the reader at a low altitude, close to the treetops, and focuses on the intricate details of the insects’ world. The butterflies, described as translucent, evoke a sense of fragility and beauty, while the "smoke of gnats" introduces a dynamic, almost ephemeral atmosphere.

As the perspective shifts higher, Nemerov introduces the "stiff-winged chimney swifts" that "scythe at the air in alternating arcs." The use of "scythe" as a verb suggests precision and sharpness in their flight patterns, emphasizing the swifts’ agility and the cutting motion of their wings through the air. This image contrasts with the gentle fluttering of the butterflies, adding a sense of energy and movement.

Further up, the poem describes "flights of pigeons" that navigate the space among the roofs. The pigeons, "slate as the roofs above and white below," blend with the urban landscape, their colors mirroring the environment. This blending emphasizes the harmony between nature and the human-made structures, as well as the adaptability of these birds within urban settings.

Continuing the ascent, the poem notes "puffs of seed go raining down the wind," capturing the dispersal of plant life, a process integral to the cycle of nature. This gentle, almost invisible rain of seeds symbolizes growth and renewal, adding a serene and continuous element to the imagery.

At an even higher altitude, a "hawk turns on one wing," epitomizing grace and dominance in the sky. The hawk’s solitary maneuver contrasts with the communal flights of the swifts and pigeons, highlighting its role as a predator and solitary hunter.

Above the hawk, a "silver jet climbs by / Serenely screaming with a trail of smoke." This juxtaposition of serenity and screaming underscores the dual nature of modern technology—its capacity for both grace and disturbance. The jet’s ascent, leaving a visible trail, marks human presence and innovation in the natural world, contrasting with the organic flight patterns of the birds.

Higher still, "sailing clouds that shift their shapes / All afternoon unseen" dominate the sky. These clouds, constantly changing and yet often unnoticed, represent the subtle and ongoing transformations in nature that occur irrespective of human observation. Their unnoticed presence emphasizes the vastness and the often overlooked beauty of the natural world.

Finally, the poem culminates with the image of "a broken corner of the moon / So pale, so faint, so still, and all alone." This concluding image is poignant and evocative, highlighting the moon's distant, solitary presence. Its brokenness and faintness convey a sense of fragility and isolation, standing in stark contrast to the lively, interconnected scenes below.

In "Above," Howard Nemerov masterfully uses ascending imagery to explore different layers of the sky, blending observations of nature and human activity. Each tier of the ascent—from butterflies to the moon—offers a distinct perspective, creating a rich, multifaceted portrayal of the aerial world. The poem’s structure and progression not only reflect physical elevation but also invite contemplation on the interconnectedness and transient beauty of life above us. Through this vertical journey, Nemerov captures the complexity and serenity of the natural and human-influenced realms that coexist above the earth.

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