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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Howard Nemerov's "Beautiful Lawn Sprinkler" elevates an ordinary object to a symbol of philosophical reflection, exploring themes of power, humility, pride, and transformation. Through concise and vivid imagery, Nemerov captures the sprinkler's rhythmic motion and the natural beauty it creates, prompting deeper contemplation of the cycles of life and the nature of change. The poem begins with an observation of the sprinkler's mechanism: "What gives it power makes it change its mind / At each extreme." This line personifies the sprinkler, attributing to it a kind of agency and decision-making as it oscillates from one end to the other. The "power" mentioned refers to the water pressure driving the sprinkler, causing it to pivot and spray water in alternating directions. This power is both literal and metaphorical, suggesting a force that prompts continuous movement and change. Nemerov describes the sprinkler's motion as it "leans its rising rain / Down low, first one and then the other way." The imagery of "rising rain" evokes a sense of growth and renewal, while the alternation between directions highlights the balance and symmetry in its operation. This balance is further explored through the interplay of humility and pride, which "reverse, forgive, arise, and die again." These human attributes are cyclically experienced, akin to the sprinkler's consistent oscillation. This suggests a natural ebb and flow of emotions and states of being, where humility and pride are not static but rather constantly evolving and interchanging. The poem continues with the notion that this cycle "holds at both ends of the day," implying that the sprinkler's motion and the associated metaphorical journey persist throughout time, from morning to evening. This constancy is a reminder of the perpetual nature of life's changes and the enduring presence of beauty and transformation. The closing line captures the culmination of the sprinkler's action: "The rainbow in its scattering grains of spray." Here, Nemerov brings together the elements of water, light, and motion to create a striking image of a rainbow formed in the sprinkler's mist. This moment of beauty serves as a symbol of hope and unity, where diverse elements come together to create something ephemeral yet magnificent. The "scattering grains of spray" emphasize the transient and delicate nature of this beauty, reminding readers of the fleeting yet recurring moments of grace in everyday life. "Beautiful Lawn Sprinkler" thus transcends its simple subject to offer a meditation on the cycles of power, change, humility, and pride. Through the lens of a mundane object, Nemerov encourages readers to appreciate the subtle beauty and profound lessons present in everyday occurrences. The poem's reflection on the interplay of these forces and the resulting moments of beauty underscores a deeper philosophical understanding of the world, where even the most ordinary objects can inspire contemplation and wonder.
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