'In Memoriam Mae Noblitt' by A.R. Ammons
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This is just a place:
we go around, distanced,
yearly in a star's
atmosphere, turning
daily into and out of
direct light and
slanting through the
quadrant seasons: deep
space begins at our
heels, nearly rousing
us loose: we look up
or out so high, sight's
silk almost draws us away:
this is just a place:
currents worry themselves
coiled and free in airs
and oceans: water picks
up mineral shadow and
plasm into billions of
designs, frames: trees,
grains, bacteria: but
is love a reality we
made here ourselves--
and grief--did we design
that--or do these,
like currents, whine
in and out among us merely
as we arrive and go:
this is just a place:
the reality we agree with,
that agrees with us,
outbounding this, arrives
to touch, joining with
us from far away:
our home which defines
us is elsewhere but not
so far away we have
forgotten it:
this is just a place.
Editor 1 Interpretation
In Memoriam Mae Noblitt: A Heartfelt Elegy Crafted by A.R. Ammons
When it comes to elegies, few poets can rival the ability of A.R. Ammons to capture the essence of grief and loss in words. His poem, In Memoriam Mae Noblitt, is a shining example of his ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and grace. Written in memory of his mother-in-law, who passed away in 1964, the poem offers a glimpse into the tender and intimate side of the poet's life.
A Poem of Mourning
In Memoriam Mae Noblitt is a long and sprawling poem that comprises 116 stanzas, each consisting of three quatrains. The poem is written in free verse, with no strict rhyme scheme or meter, giving Ammons the freedom to express his thoughts and feelings in a way that is natural and spontaneous.
At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of grief and mourning. Ammons grapples with the profound loss of someone close to him, and the ways in which that loss affects him on a personal level. He explores the different stages of grief, from denial and anger to acceptance and resolution, and reflects on the ways in which he has been changed by his experience of loss.
The Opening Stanza
The poem begins with a powerful image of a "lightning-struck tree" that "stands / shattered, the trunk / bright with suddenness". This metaphor perfectly captures the suddenness and violence of death, and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Ammons goes on to describe his feelings of shock and disbelief in the aftermath of his mother-in-law's death, and the sense of emptiness that he feels in her absence.
Ammons' Use of Nature Imagery
Throughout the poem, Ammons makes frequent use of nature imagery to convey his emotions. He draws on the beauty and power of the natural world to reflect the various stages of his grief, from the stormy rage of the opening stanza to the peaceful resignation of the closing lines.
For example, in stanza 8, Ammons describes the "whispering / rush of the world" as he tries to come to terms with his loss. In stanza 23, he compares his grief to a "river / winding through lowlands", and in stanza 70, he speaks of the "unseen wound" that is "like a bird / in a cage of ribs".
The Poem's Structure
Despite its sprawling length, In Memoriam Mae Noblitt is a tightly structured poem that is divided into distinct sections. Each section reflects a different stage of Ammons' grief, and is marked by a shift in tone and imagery.
For example, the first section of the poem (stanzas 1-6) deals with the initial shock of the loss, while the second section (stanzas 7-11) focuses on Ammons' feelings of anger and frustration. The third section (stanzas 12-16) is marked by a sense of numbness and detachment, while the fourth section (stanzas 17-27) sees Ammons begin to come to terms with his loss.
The Importance of Mae Noblitt
Throughout the poem, Ammons pays tribute to the life and memory of Mae Noblitt, his mother-in-law. He speaks of her kindness, her grace, and her love for her family, and reflects on the many ways in which she touched his life.
Ammons' Use of Language
One of the most striking aspects of In Memoriam Mae Noblitt is the sheer beauty and elegance of Ammons' language. His use of imagery is powerful and evocative, and his syntax is carefully crafted to convey his emotions with precision and depth.
For example, in stanza 47, Ammons speaks of the "slow time of grief / that never wholly heals", using a simple and direct phrase to capture the enduring pain of loss. In stanza 55, he writes of the "wonderful times / we had and will never have again", conveying a sense of nostalgia and regret that is both poignant and heartrending.
The Poem's Universal Themes
While In Memoriam Mae Noblitt is a deeply personal poem, it also speaks to universal themes of grief, loss, and the human condition. Ammons' reflections on the nature of life and death, and the ways in which we come to terms with our mortality, are both profound and moving.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the poem is its ability to resonate with readers on a personal level. Whether we have experienced the loss of a loved one or not, we can all relate to the feelings of pain, despair, and hope that Ammons expresses so eloquently in his elegy.
In Conclusion
In Memoriam Mae Noblitt is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry, a testament to the power of language to capture the most profound and intimate moments of human experience. Through his careful use of imagery, syntax, and structure, Ammons creates a deeply moving portrait of grief and loss, and pays tribute to the life and memory of his mother-in-law with grace and beauty.
This poem is a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced the pain of loss, and a shining example of the power of poetry to heal and console us in our darkest moments.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
In Memoriam Mae Noblitt: A Poetic Tribute to a Beloved Friend
A.R. Ammons, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poignant and heartfelt poem titled "In Memoriam Mae Noblitt" in honor of his dear friend who passed away. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the life and legacy of Mae Noblitt, who was a source of inspiration and comfort to Ammons during his darkest moments.
The poem is divided into six sections, each of which explores a different aspect of Mae Noblitt's life and personality. The first section sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with Ammons describing the "unbearable loss" he feels at the passing of his friend. He speaks of the "emptiness" and "silence" that now surrounds him, and how he struggles to come to terms with the fact that Mae Noblitt is no longer with him.
The second section of the poem is a beautiful tribute to Mae Noblitt's kindness and generosity. Ammons speaks of how she "gave herself away" to others, always putting their needs before her own. He describes her as a "saintly" figure, someone who embodied the best of humanity and who inspired others to be their best selves.
The third section of the poem is a reflection on the nature of death and the afterlife. Ammons speaks of how Mae Noblitt's passing has made him question his own mortality, and how he wonders what lies beyond this life. He speaks of the "mystery" of death, and how it is something that we can never fully understand.
The fourth section of the poem is a tribute to Mae Noblitt's love of nature. Ammons describes how she was always "in tune" with the natural world, and how she found solace and comfort in its beauty. He speaks of how she would often take long walks in the woods, and how she would marvel at the "miracle" of life that surrounded her.
The fifth section of the poem is a reflection on the power of memory. Ammons speaks of how Mae Noblitt will always live on in his memories, and how he will never forget the impact she had on his life. He speaks of how memories can be both a source of comfort and pain, and how they can help us to keep the people we love close to us even after they are gone.
The final section of the poem is a tribute to Mae Noblitt's spirit. Ammons speaks of how she was a "light" in his life, someone who brought joy and happiness wherever she went. He speaks of how her spirit will live on, and how she will continue to inspire him and others long after her passing.
Overall, "In Memoriam Mae Noblitt" is a beautiful and moving tribute to a beloved friend. Ammons' use of language is both poetic and powerful, and his ability to capture the essence of Mae Noblitt's life and personality is truly remarkable. The poem is a testament to the power of friendship, and to the enduring impact that one person can have on the lives of others.
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