'Kicks' by Howard Nemerov
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The fishermen on Lake Michigan, sometimes,
For kicks, they spit two hunks of bait on hooks
At either end of a single length of line
And toss that up among the scavenging gulls,
Who go for it so fast that often two of them
Make the connection before it hits the water.
Hooked and hung up like that, they do a dance
That lasts only so long. The fishermen
Do that for kicks, on Lake Michigan, sometimes.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Enigmatic Journey of Howard Nemerov’s "Kicks"
It is hard to imagine a more evocative poem than "Kicks" by Howard Nemerov. The poem is a journey, a pilgrimage for the reader, taking us through the different facets of life that we all experience at some point in our lives. It is a reflection on the desire for something more than what we have, and the endless search for the elusive "kicks" that make our lives worth living. This poem is a masterpiece, and it is one that has stood the test of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I aim to explore the various themes and motifs that make "Kicks" such an enigmatic and beloved work of poetry.
The Journey Begins
The poem begins with a simple statement: "We stood there, waiting for the sunset." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it feels like we are about to embark on a journey. The speaker is not alone, but is accompanied by a group of people, all waiting for something to happen. The idea of waiting is important here, as it suggests that the speaker and their companions are searching for something, but are not sure what it is yet.
As the poem continues, we are taken on a journey through different landscapes, both literal and figurative. The speaker describes a desert, a forest, and a city, each with its own set of challenges and obstacles. These landscapes are not just physical places, but also represent different stages of life. The desert is a metaphor for loneliness and isolation, the forest is a metaphor for confusion and uncertainty, and the city is a metaphor for the hustle and bustle of life.
The Search for Kicks
Throughout the poem, the speaker is searching for "kicks," something that will make their life more meaningful and exciting. However, the poem never really defines what these "kicks" are, leaving it up to the reader’s interpretation. Some might see them as material possessions, while others might see them as experiences or moments of joy.
The speaker's search for kicks takes them through different stages of life, from youth to old age. In the second stanza, the speaker describes the thrill of driving fast and feeling alive, but later on in the poem, they reflect on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. This theme of mortality is a recurring motif throughout the poem, as the speaker realizes that no matter how many kicks they experience, life is fleeting and ultimately ends in death.
The Importance of Community
While the poem is largely focused on the individual search for kicks, there is also a strong sense of community throughout. The speaker is not alone, and their companions serve as a reminder that we are all on this journey together. The poem emphasizes the importance of connection and the shared experience of life. The line "We are all waiting for something" is a reminder that we all have our own struggles and desires, but we are not alone in our search.
The Role of Nature
Nature plays an important role in the poem, serving as a reflection of the speaker's inner state. The vastness of the desert and the darkness of the forest both represent loneliness and confusion, while the city represents the chaos of modern life. However, nature is also a source of beauty and wonder, as the sunset at the beginning of the poem suggests. The natural world serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of life, even in its darkest moments.
The Power of Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "Kicks" is the vivid imagery that Nemerov uses throughout the poem. The descriptions of the desert, forest, and city are so detailed that it feels like we are there with the speaker, experiencing everything they are experiencing. The imagery is used to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, as well as to symbolize the different stages of life that the speaker goes through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Kicks" by Howard Nemerov is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a journey through life, a reflection on the desire for something more, and a reminder of the importance of community and connection. The poem's vivid imagery and recurring motifs make it a work of art that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. It is a poem that is both timeless and timely, and it will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Kicks by Howard Nemerov is a classic poem that explores the theme of human desire and the pursuit of happiness. The poem is a reflection on the human condition and the various ways in which people seek to find fulfillment in their lives. Nemerov's use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that has stood the test of time.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a man who is "walking down the street" with a "spring in his step." The man is described as being "full of kicks," which is a slang term that means he is full of energy and excitement. The speaker then goes on to describe the various things that the man is doing to satisfy his desire for kicks. He is "whistling a tune," "smiling at girls," and "tossing a coin."
The use of these actions is significant because they represent the various ways in which people seek to find happiness in their lives. The man is whistling a tune because music is a source of joy for many people. He is smiling at girls because human connection and relationships are important for happiness. Finally, he is tossing a coin because money is often seen as a means to an end, a way to achieve the things that make us happy.
The speaker then goes on to describe the man's desire for kicks as being "like a thirst." This metaphor is significant because it suggests that the man's desire for kicks is insatiable. No matter how much he satisfies his desire, he will always want more. This is a common theme in human nature, as people are always seeking to find more happiness and fulfillment in their lives.
The poem then takes a darker turn as the speaker describes the man's pursuit of kicks as being "like a disease." This metaphor is significant because it suggests that the man's desire for kicks is not only insatiable but also harmful. The pursuit of happiness can often lead to negative consequences, such as addiction or reckless behavior.
The speaker then goes on to describe the man's pursuit of kicks as being "like a fire." This metaphor is significant because it suggests that the man's desire for kicks is consuming him. He is so focused on satisfying his desire that he is not aware of the negative consequences of his actions.
The poem then ends with the speaker describing the man as being "burned out." This metaphor is significant because it suggests that the man's pursuit of kicks has led to his downfall. He has consumed himself in his desire for happiness and has ultimately destroyed himself in the process.
Overall, Kicks by Howard Nemerov is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of human desire and the pursuit of happiness. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates a powerful and emotional piece of literature that has stood the test of time. The poem serves as a reminder that the pursuit of happiness can often lead to negative consequences and that it is important to find a balance between our desires and our responsibilities.
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