'September, The First Day Of School' by Howard Nemerov
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I
My child and I hold hands on the way to school,
And when I leave him at the first-grade door
He cries a little but is brave; he does
Let go. My selfish tears remind me how
I cried before that door a life ago.
I may have had a hard time letting go.
Each fall the children must endure together
What every child also endures alone:
Learning the alphabet, the integers,
Three dozen bits and pieces of a stuff
So arbitrary, so peremptory,
That worlds invisible and visible
Bow down before it, as in Joseph's dream
The sheaves bowed down and then the stars bowed down
Before the dreaming of a little boy.
That dream got him such hatred of his brothers
As cost the greater part of life to mend,
And yet great kindness came of it in the end.
II
A school is where they grind the grain of thought,
And grind the children who must mind the thought.
It may be those two grindings are but one,
As from the alphabet come Shakespeare's Plays,
As from the integers comes Euler's Law,
As from the whole, inseperably, the lives,
The shrunken lives that have not been set free
By law or by poetic phantasy.
But may they be. My child has disappeared
Behind the schoolroom door. And should I live
To see his coming forth, a life away,
I know my hope, but do not know its form
Nor hope to know it. May the fathers he finds
Among his teachers have a care of him
More than his father could. How that will look
I do not know, I do not need to know.
Even our tears belong to ritual.
But may great kindness come of it in the end.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"September, The First Day Of School" by Howard Nemerov: A Masterpiece of Poetic Brilliance
As the summer months come to a close, and leaves start to turn their brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange, it is a time of change and transition. For many, it is a time of new beginnings, as the school year starts anew. In the poem "September, The First Day Of School," Howard Nemerov captures this feeling of transition expertly, using vivid imagery and powerful language to create a work of poetic brilliance that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Power of Imagery
One of the most striking things about "September, The First Day Of School" is the use of vivid imagery throughout the poem. From the very first line, Nemerov paints a picture of a world in transition:
"I pencil in the doves' voices, decipher The screech and hoot of owls…"
Here, Nemerov creates an image of a world in flux, where the sounds of nature are changing, and the familiar sounds of summer are giving way to the sounds of autumn. Throughout the poem, Nemerov uses this kind of vivid imagery to great effect, painting pictures with his words that are both powerful and evocative.
One of the most striking examples of this comes in the second stanza of the poem, where Nemerov describes the scene outside the school:
"The morning air is all awash with angels."
This line is stunning in its beauty and power, conjuring up images of a world filled with divine beings. The use of the word "awash" is particularly effective, as it suggests a world that is literally drowning in angels, overwhelmed by their presence.
Nemerov continues in this vein throughout the poem, using imagery to create vivid pictures that stay with the reader long after the poem is over. Whether he is describing the "busy midgets" of the children rushing to school, or the "shadowy creatures" lurking in the corners of the building, Nemerov's use of imagery is truly masterful.
The Power of Language
In addition to the powerful imagery used throughout "September, The First Day Of School," Nemerov also employs a range of language techniques to great effect. One of the most notable of these is his use of repetition, which is used to create a sense of rhythm and momentum throughout the poem.
One of the most striking examples of this comes in the second stanza, where Nemerov repeats the phrase "the morning air" three times in quick succession:
"The morning air is all awash with angels. Some are in bed-sheets, some are in blouses, Some are in smocks: but truly there they are."
This repetition creates a sense of urgency and excitement, as if the speaker is trying to convey the incredible energy and activity of the scene outside the school. It also serves to emphasize the importance of the moment, highlighting the fact that this is a time of transition and change.
Another language technique used to great effect in the poem is metaphor. Throughout the poem, Nemerov uses metaphors to create powerful images that help to convey the emotions and feelings of the moment. One of the most striking examples of this comes in the fourth stanza, where Nemerov compares the children rushing to school to a "pack of unruly hounds."
This metaphor is particularly effective, as it creates an image of children as wild and untamed, eager to explore the world around them. It also serves to highlight the chaos and energy of the moment, as the children rush to school with all the exuberance of a pack of hounds.
Interpretation
So, what does "September, The First Day Of School" mean? At its heart, this poem is a celebration of change and transition. It is a poem that captures the excitement and energy of the first day of school, as children and teachers alike prepare to embark on a new journey.
But there is more to this poem than that. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Nemerov creates a sense of wonder and awe, suggesting that there is something almost magical about this time of year. Whether it is the angels in the morning air, or the shadowy creatures lurking in the corners of the school, Nemerov suggests that there is something mystical and special about this time of transition.
At the same time, however, Nemerov never loses sight of the fact that this is a time of change, and that change can be scary and uncertain. This is particularly evident in the final stanza of the poem, where Nemerov describes the children "grappling with a second woe" as they face the unknown challenges of the new school year.
In the end, however, "September, The First Day Of School" is a poem that celebrates the power of change and transition. It is a poem that reminds us that even in the midst of uncertainty and fear, there is always the opportunity for growth and transformation.
Conclusion
In the end, "September, The First Day Of School" is a true masterpiece of poetic brilliance. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Nemerov has created a work of art that captures the excitement and energy of a new beginning, while also highlighting the uncertainty and fear that often accompanies change.
Whether you are a student, teacher, or simply someone who appreciates great poetry, "September, The First Day Of School" is a must-read. It is a work of art that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, a testament to the power of language and the beauty of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
September, The First Day Of School: A Poem Analysis
As summer fades away and the leaves start to change, the excitement of a new school year begins. Howard Nemerov's poem, September, The First Day Of School, captures the essence of this excitement and the anticipation of a new beginning. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct tone and purpose. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the mood. The speaker describes the "morning air" as "crisp and clear," which creates a sense of freshness and newness. The "smell of burning leaves" adds to the autumnal atmosphere and creates a sense of nostalgia. The speaker then describes the children "dragging" their feet, which suggests a reluctance to return to school after the freedom of summer. However, the speaker also notes the excitement in the children's eyes, which hints at the anticipation of new experiences and learning.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the classroom. The speaker describes the "chalk dust" and "clean blackboards," which symbolize the start of a new school year and the opportunity for a fresh start. The speaker also notes the "new books" and "new faces," which suggest the potential for new friendships and knowledge. The use of the word "gleaming" to describe the desks and chairs adds to the sense of newness and cleanliness.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle by returning to the children. The speaker notes the "buzzing" of the children's voices, which suggests excitement and energy. The use of the word "swarm" to describe the children creates a sense of movement and activity. The speaker also notes the "teacher's quiet whistle," which suggests control and order in the classroom. The final line, "And now again I almost love," suggests that the speaker has a newfound appreciation for the start of a new school year and the potential it holds.
One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of new beginnings. The start of a new school year represents a fresh start and the opportunity for growth and learning. The use of imagery, such as the "clean blackboards" and "new books," emphasizes this theme and creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. The poem also touches on the idea of nostalgia and the bittersweet feeling of leaving behind the freedom of summer. The "smell of burning leaves" and the children "dragging" their feet suggest a reluctance to let go of the past, while the excitement in their eyes hints at the potential for new experiences.
The structure of the poem also adds to its meaning. The three stanzas each serve a distinct purpose and build upon each other to create a sense of progression. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the mood, while the second stanza shifts the focus to the classroom and the potential for new beginnings. The final stanza brings the poem full circle by returning to the children and their excitement. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the word "new," emphasizes the theme of new beginnings and creates a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Nemerov also uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the meaning of the poem. The use of imagery, such as the "smell of burning leaves" and the "clean blackboards," creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind and adds to the atmosphere of the poem. The use of personification, such as the "teacher's quiet whistle," adds to the sense of control and order in the classroom. The use of alliteration, such as "clean blackboards" and "gleaming desks," adds to the musicality of the poem and emphasizes certain words and phrases.
In conclusion, September, The First Day Of School is a poem that captures the excitement and anticipation of a new school year. Through its use of imagery, structure, and literary devices, the poem emphasizes the theme of new beginnings and the potential for growth and learning. The poem also touches on the bittersweet feeling of leaving behind the freedom of summer and the nostalgia that comes with it. Overall, Nemerov's poem is a celebration of the start of a new school year and the potential it holds.
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