'Neither Snow' by Billy Collins
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When all of a sudden the city air filled with snow,
the distinguishable flakes
blowing sideways,
looked like krill
fleeing the maw of an advancing whale.
At least they looked that way to me
from the taxi window,
and since I happened to be sitting
that fading Sunday afternoon
in the very center of the universe,
who was in a better position
to say what looked like what,
which thing resembled some other?
Yes, it was a run of white plankton
borne down the Avenue of the Americas
in the stream of the wind,
phosphorescent against the weighty buildings.
Which made the taxi itself,
yellow and slow-moving,
a kind of undersea creature,
I thought as I wiped the fog from the glass,
and me one of its protruding eyes,
an eye on a stem
swiveling this way and that
monitoring one side of its world,
observing tons of water
tons of people
colored signs and lights
and now a wildly blowing race of snow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Neither Snow by Billy Collins: A Detailed Analysis
Are you a fan of poetry? Do you enjoy reading poems that have a deeper meaning than what meets the eye? If your answer is yes, then Billy Collins' "Neither Snow" will definitely tickle your fancy. This classic poem has been around for quite some time, yet it never fails to captivate its readers with its intricate details and profound themes. In this literary criticism, we will delve deeper into the poem, analyzing its style, themes, and symbolism.
Background Information
Billy Collins is a renowned American poet who has published multiple works of poetry, including "Questions About Angels" and "Sailing Alone Around the Room." He was the U.S Poet Laureate from 2001-2003 and has won several awards for his literary works. In "Neither Snow," Collins explores the theme of love and memory, using vivid imagery to convey his message.
Style and Structure
At first glance, "Neither Snow" appears to be a simple poem with a straightforward message. However, a closer look reveals the complexity of Collins' writing style. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each containing four lines. The lines are written in free verse, without any particular rhyme or meter scheme. This creates a sense of fluidity and movement, allowing the reader to experience the emotions and memories that Collins is trying to convey.
The poem opens with the lines, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." These lines are actually the unofficial motto of the United States Postal Service, and Collins cleverly uses them to introduce the themes of love and memory. He describes how these elements are just as unyielding as the postal service, defying all obstacles to stay alive.
Themes and Symbolism
Love and memory are the two main themes in "Neither Snow." Collins uses vivid imagery to depict the power of love and how it can transcend time and space. The poem is set in winter, with snow covering the ground and the trees stripped bare. This creates a sense of desolation and isolation, yet the speaker's memories of his loved one bring warmth and comfort.
The symbolism in the poem is also significant. Collins uses the image of a mailbox to represent the memories of the speaker's loved one. The mailbox is described as "black and glossy" and "patiently hung by the roadside." This suggests that the memories of the loved one are always waiting patiently for the speaker to revisit them, just like a mailbox waiting for a letter to be delivered.
Moreover, the mailbox is described as "brimming with bright things," indicating the abundance of memories that the speaker has stored. The bright things could also represent the happiness and joy that the speaker experienced with his loved one. The mailbox also symbolizes the connection between the speaker and his loved one, suggesting that their love is still alive, even though the loved one is no longer physically present.
Interpretation
The title of the poem, "Neither Snow," suggests that love and memory are immune to the harshness of winter. The poem is written in the first person, indicating that the speaker is addressing his loved one directly. He speaks of the memories that he has of her, describing how they remain vivid and alive, even though she is no longer with him.
The lines, "I will open it against all odds and see the creature that has been lying there breathing softly on its own," suggest that the speaker is hesitant to revisit his memories. He is afraid of what he might find, yet he knows that he must confront his feelings in order to move on. This is a common theme in Collins' poetry, as he often explores the complexities of human emotion and how we deal with them.
Conclusion
"Neither Snow" is a beautifully written poem that explores the themes of love and memory. Collins' use of vivid imagery and symbolism creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, making the poem relatable to anyone who has experienced loss or separation. The structure of the poem, with its free verse and fluidity, allows the reader to experience the emotions that the speaker is feeling, making the poem all the more powerful.
Collins' message is clear: love and memory are unyielding forces that can overcome even the harshest of obstacles. They are like the postal service, always completing their appointed rounds, no matter what. "Neither Snow" is a timeless piece of poetry that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Neither Snow: A Poem of Reflection and Resilience
Billy Collins’ poem, Neither Snow, is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that captures the essence of human resilience and the power of reflection. The poem is a perfect example of how a simple, everyday occurrence can be transformed into a profound and meaningful experience through the lens of poetry.
The poem begins with a simple observation of snow falling outside the window. The speaker notes that the snow is falling “neither heavy nor light,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The snow is not overwhelming or oppressive, but rather a gentle reminder of the passing of time and the changing of seasons.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the various ways in which snow has impacted their life. They recall childhood memories of building snowmen and sledding down hills, as well as more recent experiences of shoveling snow and driving in treacherous conditions. Through these memories, the speaker acknowledges the beauty and wonder of snow, but also recognizes its potential dangers and inconveniences.
The poem then takes a more introspective turn as the speaker reflects on their own life and the passing of time. They note that “snow falls and falls like the film of silence,” which suggests a sense of stillness and contemplation. The snow becomes a metaphor for the quiet moments in life when we are forced to slow down and reflect on our experiences.
The speaker then goes on to contemplate the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. They note that “we are all snowmen,” suggesting that we are all temporary and fleeting beings in the grand scheme of things. However, the speaker also acknowledges the beauty and joy that can be found in life, despite its impermanence.
The final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to the present moment, as the speaker notes that the snow is still falling outside. They suggest that we should embrace the beauty of the moment and “let the flakes fall as they may.” This final line is a powerful reminder to live in the present and appreciate the beauty of life, even in its most mundane moments.
Overall, Neither Snow is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of human experience. Through the lens of snow, the speaker reflects on the passing of time, the inevitability of death, and the beauty of life. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and to help us find meaning and purpose in our lives.
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