'The First Night Of Fall And Falling Rain' by Delmore Schwartz

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1962The common rain had come again
Slanting and colorless, pale and anonymous,
Fainting falling in the first evening
Of the first perception of the actual fall,
The long and late light had slowly gathered up
A sooty wood of clouded sky, dim and distant more andmore
Until, at dusk, the very sense of selfhood waned,A weakening nothing halted, diminished or denied or setaside,
Neither tea, nor, after an hour, whiskey,
Ice and then a pleasant glow, a burning,
And the first leaping wood fire
Since a cold night in May, too long ago to be more than
Merely a cold and vivid memory.
Staring, empty, and without thought
Beyond the rising mists of the emotion of causelesssadness,
How suddenly all consciousness leaped in spontaneousgladness,
Knowing without thinking how the falling rain (outside, allover)
In slow sustained consistent vibration all over outsideTapping window, streaking roof,running down runnel and drain
Waking a sense, once more, of all that lived outside of us,Beyond emotion, for beyond the swollendistorted shadows and lights
Of the toy town and the vanity fairof waking consciousness!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain by Delmore Schwartz: A Masterpiece of Imagery and Emotion

Have you ever read a poem that transports you to a different time and place, evokes vivid sensations and emotions, and leaves you with a lingering sense of wonder and beauty? If not, then you need to read "The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain" by Delmore Schwartz, one of the most accomplished poets of the 20th century.

In this 28-line poem, Schwartz captures the essence of a magical moment in nature's cycle, when summer gives way to autumn and the rain washes away the dust and heat of the past season. Through a skillful use of imagery, symbolism, and language, he creates a world that is both familiar and strange, tangible and elusive, concrete and abstract.

Let's dive into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and language, and see why it deserves to be recognized as a classic of modern poetry.

Themes

At its core, "The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain" is a meditation on the passage of time, the transience of life, and the beauty and sadness of change. The poem describes a moment of transition, when summer "falls down" and "dies away," and autumn "approaches" with its "bitter sweetness."

This transition is marked by the falling rain, which is both a cleansing and a mourning, a celebration and a lamentation. The rain "washes away" the dust and "brings back" the green, but it also "whispers" of "longings and regrets" and "repeats" the "sadness" of the past.

The poem also explores the theme of memory, and how it shapes our perception of the present and the future. The speaker remembers the "sharp tang" of the "heavy" air, the "scent" of the "tobacco smoke," and the "laughter" of the "happy" people, but he also feels the "emptiness" of the "silent" streets and the "loneliness" of the "sad" rain.

Finally, the poem deals with the theme of identity, and how it is shaped by the environment and the social context. The speaker identifies himself as a "solitary" observer, a "man" who is "alone" with his thoughts and feelings, but he also acknowledges his connection to the world around him, the "soft" rain and the "dying" summer.

Structure

"The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain" is a free-verse poem, without a strict rhyme or meter scheme. However, it has a distinct structure of three stanzas, each with a different length and tone.

The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the mood of the poem. It describes the "heavy" air, the "tobacco smoke," and the "happy" people, and ends with the image of the "falling rain" that "washes away" the past.

The second stanza expands on the theme of transition and memory. It describes the rain as a "whispering" and "repeating" voice that speaks of "longings" and "regrets," and contrasts it with the "emptiness" and "loneliness" of the present.

The third stanza concludes the poem with a reflection on identity and connection. It identifies the speaker as a "solitary" observer, but also acknowledges his relationship to the world around him, the "dying" summer and the "soft" rain.

Language

The language of "The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain" is simple and direct, yet rich in metaphor and symbolism. The poem is full of sensory details that evoke a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

The use of imagery is particularly effective in creating a sense of atmosphere and mood. The "heavy" air, the "thick" smoke, the "sharp tang," and the "soft" rain all contribute to a sensory overload that captures the essence of the moment.

The rain itself is a powerful symbol that has multiple meanings and associations. It is a symbol of cleansing, renewal, and rebirth, as well as of sadness, mourning, and loss. It is also a symbol of time and change, as it marks the transition from summer to autumn and from youth to old age.

The language of the poem is also marked by a sense of ambiguity and paradox. The rain is both "soft" and "sad," the summer is both "dying" and "happy," and the speaker is both "solitary" and connected to the world around him. This ambiguity adds to the complexity and richness of the poem, and invites the reader to explore its multiple meanings and interpretations.

Interpretation

So what is the meaning of "The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain"? Is it a celebration of nature's beauty, a lamentation of life's transience, or a meditation on memory and identity? The answer, of course, is all of the above, and more.

The poem is a masterful example of how poetry can capture the complexity and richness of human experience, and how language can evoke emotions and sensations that are beyond words. It is a poem that invites multiple interpretations and readings, and that rewards careful attention and reflection.

For me, "The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain" is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life, and of the importance of being present in the moment and savoring its richness. It is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of change and loss, and that offers a glimpse of hope and renewal in the midst of sadness and mourning.

In conclusion, "The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who loves language, imagery, and emotion. It is a poem that captures the essence of a moment in time and a season in nature, and that invites us to reflect on our own lives and our own place in the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Delmore Schwartz, the American poet, novelist, and short story writer, is known for his unique style of writing that blends the modernist and traditionalist approaches. His works are characterized by their deep philosophical themes, vivid imagery, and lyrical language. One of his most celebrated poems is "The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain," which was first published in 1937. This poem is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the changing seasons and the beauty of nature.

The poem begins with a description of the first night of fall, which is marked by the falling rain. The poet sets the scene by describing the "dark and dripping trees" and the "wet and shining streets." The rain is a symbol of change and renewal, as it washes away the old and prepares the way for the new. The falling rain also creates a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, as it reminds us of the passing of time and the impermanence of all things.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of love and loss. The poet describes a woman who is walking in the rain, and he imagines that she is thinking of someone she has lost. He writes, "She walks alone, and the rain falls on her hair, / And I wonder if she is thinking of someone she loved, / And lost, and will never see again." This stanza is a poignant reminder of the fragility of love and the pain of separation.

The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The poet writes, "The rain falls on the living and the dead, / On the young and the old, on the happy and the sad." This stanza is a powerful reminder that death is the great equalizer, and that we are all subject to its inevitability. The rain, which falls on everyone, is a symbol of this universal truth.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a meditation on the beauty of nature and the transience of life. The poet writes, "The rain falls on the leaves and the grass, / And the flowers that will soon be gone." This stanza is a celebration of the beauty of nature, and a reminder that all things must pass. The rain, which nourishes the plants and flowers, is a symbol of the cycle of life and death.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the poet's own mortality. He writes, "And I stand here in the rain, / And I know that I too will soon be gone." This stanza is a powerful reminder that the poet, like all of us, is subject to the same fate as the leaves, the flowers, and the rain. The poem ends with the poet's acceptance of his mortality, and his recognition that life is fleeting and precious.

In conclusion, "The First Night of Fall and Falling Rain" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the changing seasons and the beauty of nature. The poem is a meditation on love, loss, time, and mortality, and it is a powerful reminder of the impermanence of all things. Delmore Schwartz's lyrical language and vivid imagery create a haunting and evocative atmosphere that lingers long after the poem is finished. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature.

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