Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Power to the People," Howard Nemerov employs biting satire to critique the symbolic power and authority embedded in everyday objects, specifically postage stamps adorned with the images of kings and presidents. Through this brief but powerful poem, Nemerov questions the relationship between the governed and those in power, using humor and provocative imagery to make his point.

The opening line, "Why are the stamps adorned with kings and presidents?" poses a rhetorical question that invites readers to consider the rationale behind choosing these figures for such a mundane and ubiquitous item. Stamps are everyday objects that facilitate communication and transactions, yet they also serve as small canvases for national symbols and leaders, thereby constantly reminding citizens of authority figures.

Nemerov’s answer to this question, "That we may lick their hinder parts and thump their heads," delivers a sharp critique through a combination of irreverence and wit. The phrase "lick their hinder parts" refers to the act of moistening a stamp with one's tongue before affixing it to a letter. This action, framed in such crude terms, becomes a metaphor for subservience and humiliation. By presenting the act of licking a stamp in this manner, Nemerov suggests that even mundane tasks can carry deeper, more subversive meanings about power dynamics and submission.

The second part of the line, "and thump their heads," refers to the act of pressing or stamping the postage onto a letter, often done with a firm motion. This action, described as "thumping their heads," implies a form of rebellion or disrespect towards these figures of authority. Through this imagery, Nemerov juxtaposes the submissive act of licking the stamp with the aggressive act of thumping, highlighting a tension between obedience and resistance.

In just two lines, Nemerov masterfully conveys a complex commentary on the relationship between ordinary citizens and their leaders. The poem uses the everyday act of handling postage stamps to explore themes of authority, subjugation, and subtle rebellion. The humor and irreverence in Nemerov's language serve to demystify and challenge the reverence often afforded to political leaders, suggesting that their power is maintained, in part, by ordinary, everyday actions.

"Power to the People" by Howard Nemerov is a succinct yet impactful poem that critiques the symbolic power of political figures and the subtle ways in which authority is reinforced through everyday actions. By using humor and provocative imagery, Nemerov invites readers to reconsider their relationship with authority and the small acts of compliance and resistance that shape it. The poem's brevity and wit make it a compelling commentary on power dynamics in society.

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