|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Howard Nemerov’s poem "To Lu Chi (Author of the Wen Fu)" is a reflective and reverential meditation on the timeless challenges and delights of the literary endeavor, inspired by the Chinese poet Lu Chi's "Wen Fu" (Prose Poem on the Art of Letters). Nemerov draws a rich parallel between the ancient wisdom of Lu Chi and the enduring struggles of contemporary poets, highlighting the universal and unchanging nature of the poetic vocation. Nemerov begins by situating his contemplation in a specific moment of "tardy spring," with apple branches bearing snow instead of blossoms. This imagery evokes a sense of delayed renewal and aligns with the reflective nature of the poem. The poet’s connection to Lu Chi is sparked by this scene, which he perceives as “oddly Chinese,” leading him to imagine himself as a figure on a "silken screen," embodying the contemplative spirit of a Chinese poet. As Nemerov walks through the orchard, he feels a kinship with Lu Chi, a bond that transcends centuries. He is reminded of the perennial difficulties of writing well, a theme Lu Chi eloquently addresses. Nemerov admires Lu Chi’s ability to articulate the complexities of the writing process—both its severe demands and its quiet rewards. This admiration is encapsulated in the metaphor of the axe handle, symbolizing the precise and skillful craftsmanship required in poetry. The poem moves into a broader discussion of the philosophical underpinnings of the literary endeavor. Nemerov reflects on the perennial nature of the poet's challenges, suggesting that despite changes in the world, the core experience of grappling with language and meaning remains constant. He acknowledges the contemporary claims that poetry, and by extension other arts, are becoming obsolete in an age dominated by science and practicality. However, he counters this by affirming the enduring value of the poetic imagination, which offers a “pure and hidden reach” beyond the tangible and the immediate. Nemerov addresses the dichotomy between the "active man" and the "contemplative man." The active man, who values language for its utility and clear denotation, often dismisses the arts as irrelevant. Nemerov critiques this narrow view, suggesting that it leads to a reduction of language to mere functionality, stripping it of its richer, imaginative potential. He warns of the consequences when such utilitarian views dominate, particularly in times of crisis, where the deeper, reflective qualities of art are most needed but least consulted. In his tribute to Lu Chi, Nemerov also expresses a personal resolve. He concludes that despite the pressures and dismissals from the practical world, the poet must continue their work. The act of concentrating speech into “fineness and strength” can inspire nobler actions and purer thoughts in others. This is the true value of poetry, a value that transcends immediate practicalities. The poem ends with a vivid return to the present, where the natural world is teeming with life despite the remnants of winter. This scene is a metaphor for the resilience and enduring beauty of the poetic spirit. The image of waxwings drunk on fermented apples and grosbeaks chattering indignantly captures the delicate, lively balance of nature, mirroring the tension and vitality in poetry. "To Lu Chi (Author of the Wen Fu)" is a profound exploration of the poetic craft, blending personal reflection with philosophical insight. Nemerov's reverence for Lu Chi and his poetic legacy underscores the timeless and universal nature of the challenges poets face. Through his evocative imagery and thoughtful meditations, Nemerov reaffirms the essential role of poetry in capturing the complexities of the human experience and its capacity to inspire and endure across ages.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOWN BY THE CARIB SEA: 4. THE LOTTERY GIRL by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON JOHN WILKES BOOTH AT THE FARM (JANUARY 12, 1848) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE MAKING OF MAN by JOHN WHITE CHADWICK THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE by ALEXANDER ANDERSON |
|