'Some Clouds' by Steve Kowit

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Now that I've unplugged the phone,
no one can reach me--
At least for this one afternoon
they will have to get by without my advice
or opinion.
Now nobody else is going to call
& ask in a tentative voice
if I haven't yet heard that she's dead,
that woman I once loved--
nothing but ashes scattered over a city
that barely itself any longer exists.
Yes, thank you, I've heard.
It had been too lovely a morning.
That in itself should have warned me.
The sun lit up the tangerines
& the blazing poinsettias
like so many candles.
For one afternoon they will have to forgive me.
I am busy watching things happen again
that happened a long time ago.
as I lean back in Josephine's lawnchair
under a sky of incredible blue,
broken--if that is the word for it--
by a few billowing clouds,
all white & unspeakably lovely,
drifting out of one nothingness into another.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Some Clouds: A Masterful Exploration of Life, Death, and Transience

As I read Steve Kowit's "Some Clouds," I am struck by the way he captures the transience of life and the inevitability of death. There is a sense of melancholy running throughout the poem, but it is tempered by a deep appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world around us. This poem is a masterful exploration of the human condition, and it is a testament to Kowit's skill as a poet.

The first thing that strikes me about this poem is its structure. It is written in free verse, with no formal rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a feeling of spontaneity and fluidity, as if the words are flowing naturally from the poet's mind. The lack of structure also mirrors the theme of transience that runs throughout the poem. Life, like this poem, is unpredictable and ever-changing.

Kowit begins the poem with a simple, declarative sentence: "From time to time / we all long to hear / the sound of our own voices." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is introspective and reflective. The speaker is not only contemplating his own mortality, but also the nature of the universe and our place within it.

As the poem progresses, Kowit uses imagery to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. He describes clouds as "soft creatures / wandering the blue," and he personifies them, saying that they "sigh with happiness / and then are gone." This description of clouds as living beings is both beautiful and haunting. It reminds us that everything in life is fleeting, that nothing lasts forever.

But even as Kowit explores the transience of life, he also celebrates its beauty. He describes flowers as "brilliant / flags / for all the pleasures of summer," and he marvels at the "wild geese, high in the clean blue air." This celebration of nature is a reminder that even though life is short, it is also filled with moments of joy and wonder.

As the poem nears its end, Kowit returns to the theme of mortality. He writes, "We are here / to witness the creation / and abet it." This line acknowledges our place in the universe as both witnesses and participants. We are not passive observers, but active creators. This is a powerful idea, and it speaks to the human desire to leave a mark on the world.

The poem ends with a sense of acceptance. Kowit writes, "The universe / is a procession with measured tread / but the light thrown / by each candle / is varied and unpredictable." This final image is both beautiful and profound. It reminds us that even though life is fleeting, each of us has the power to make a difference, to shine our own light into the world.

In conclusion, "Some Clouds" is a masterful exploration of the human condition. It is a poem that celebrates the beauty of life while acknowledging its transience. Kowit's use of imagery and free verse structure create a sense of spontaneity and fluidity that mirrors the unpredictable nature of life. This is a poem that will stay with me for a long time, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have read it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Some Clouds: A Poem of Wonder and Reflection

Steve Kowit’s poem, Some Clouds, is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of the natural world and the human experience. The poem is a reflection on the beauty and mystery of clouds, and how they can inspire us to think about our place in the world. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of Some Clouds, and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

The poem begins with a simple observation: “Some clouds are like mountains.” This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately draws the reader’s attention to the majesty and grandeur of the natural world. The comparison of clouds to mountains is a powerful one, as it suggests that both are awe-inspiring and larger than life. This comparison also sets up the idea that clouds are not just objects in the sky, but rather, they are symbols of something greater.

As the poem continues, Kowit explores the different ways in which clouds can be seen and experienced. He writes, “Some clouds are like oceans, / some like fields of cotton.” These comparisons are vivid and evocative, as they allow the reader to imagine the different shapes and textures of clouds. The use of simile in these lines is also effective, as it helps to create a sense of familiarity and connection between the reader and the natural world.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the line, “Some clouds are like God.” This line is powerful because it suggests that clouds are not just natural phenomena, but rather, they are imbued with a sense of divinity. This idea is reinforced in the following lines, where Kowit writes, “Some clouds are like angels / or the robes of saints.” These comparisons are both beautiful and profound, as they suggest that clouds are not just objects in the sky, but rather, they are symbols of something greater than ourselves.

Throughout the poem, Kowit uses imagery to create a sense of wonder and awe. He writes, “Some clouds are like dreams / that drift across the sky.” This image is particularly effective because it suggests that clouds are not just physical objects, but rather, they are ephemeral and fleeting. This idea is reinforced in the final lines of the poem, where Kowit writes, “Some clouds are like nothing / you’ve ever seen before.” These lines are powerful because they suggest that there is always something new and wondrous to discover in the natural world.

The theme of impermanence is also present in the poem. Kowit writes, “Some clouds are here and gone / in a matter of minutes.” This line suggests that clouds, like all things in life, are fleeting and temporary. This idea is reinforced in the final lines of the poem, where Kowit writes, “Some clouds are like nothing / you’ve ever seen before / and will never see again.” These lines are poignant because they suggest that we should appreciate the beauty of the natural world while we can, as it is always changing and evolving.

In conclusion, Some Clouds is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of the natural world and the human experience. Through vivid imagery and powerful comparisons, Kowit invites the reader to contemplate the beauty and mystery of clouds, and how they can inspire us to think about our place in the world. The poem is a reminder that there is always something new and wondrous to discover in the natural world, and that we should appreciate its beauty while we can.

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