'Kicks' by Howard Nemerov

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The Collected Poems of Howard NemerovThe 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 fishermenDo that for kicks, on Lake Michigan, sometimes.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "Kicks" by Howard Nemerov

Have you ever been lost in thought and suddenly a memory from your past pops up? Maybe it's a memory of a moment that made you really happy, or a moment that made you really sad. Whatever the memory is, it has the power to transport you back in time, to a place where you can relive that moment all over again. That's the power of memory, and that's what Howard Nemerov explores in his poem "Kicks".

"Kicks" is a poem about memory and the power it has to shape our lives. The poem is divided into four stanzas, with each stanza exploring a different aspect of memory. In the first stanza, Nemerov talks about how memories can come to us unbidden, like a "sudden noise in the street". He describes the memory as something that "throws open a door and a light" and transports us to a different time and place.

This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It's clear that Nemerov believes that memories are powerful things, capable of transporting us to a different time and place. This idea is reinforced in the second stanza, where Nemerov talks about how memories can be triggered by the most mundane of things, like the smell of a flower or the sound of a song. He describes these memories as "ghosts" that "come back to haunt us" and reminds us that they have the power to "overwhelm us and take us away".

The third stanza is perhaps the most interesting part of the poem. Here, Nemerov talks about how memories can be distorted over time, and how our memories of the past can be shaped by our present experiences. He describes memories as "factories that make dreams" and suggests that our memories are constantly being re-imagined and re-interpreted. This idea is reinforced in the last stanza, where Nemerov talks about how our memories can become a "burden" and how they can "weigh us down". He suggests that memories can become a prison of sorts, trapping us in the past and preventing us from moving forward.

Overall, "Kicks" is a powerful poem that explores the nature of memory and its impact on our lives. Nemerov suggests that memories are not just simple recollections of the past, but complex, ever-changing entities that can shape our thoughts and emotions. He also suggests that memories can be both positive and negative, and that they can have the power to lift us up or weigh us down.

One of the things that I find particularly interesting about this poem is the way that Nemerov uses language to convey his ideas. His use of metaphor and imagery is particularly effective, and helps to create a vivid and memorable picture of the power of memory. For example, in the second stanza, he describes memories as "ghosts" that "come back to haunt us". This metaphor is particularly powerful, as it conveys the idea that memories are not just simple recollections of the past, but are instead like ghosts that can be both frightening and unsettling.

Another thing that I appreciate about this poem is the way that it is structured. The four stanzas each explore a different aspect of memory, and together they create a cohesive and powerful message about the impact that memory can have on our lives. The use of repetition in the last stanza, where Nemerov repeats the phrase "the burden of memory", is particularly effective, as it helps to reinforce the idea that memories can become a heavy burden that we carry with us.

In conclusion, "Kicks" is a powerful poem that explores the nature of memory and its impact on our lives. Nemerov's use of metaphor and imagery is particularly effective, and helps to create a vivid picture of the power of memory. The structure of the poem is also well-crafted, with each stanza building on the one before it to create a cohesive and powerful message. Overall, "Kicks" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the power of memory and its impact on our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it has the power to move us in ways that other forms of expression cannot. Howard Nemerov's "Poetry Kicks" is a classic poem that captures the essence of what poetry is all about. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the power of poetry. He says that poetry "kicks" like a horse, and it has the ability to "knock you down." This metaphorical language sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is all about the impact that poetry can have on us.

The first stanza of the poem is all about the physicality of poetry. The speaker describes how poetry can "kick" us in the gut, and how it can make our hearts race. He also talks about how poetry can make us feel like we are "flying," which is a powerful image that captures the feeling of being transported by a great poem.

The second stanza of the poem is all about the emotional impact of poetry. The speaker talks about how poetry can make us feel "sad" or "happy," and how it can make us "laugh" or "cry." He also talks about how poetry can make us feel "lonely" or "connected," which is a powerful reminder of the way that poetry can bring us together as human beings.

The third stanza of the poem is all about the intellectual impact of poetry. The speaker talks about how poetry can make us think about "life" and "death," and how it can make us question our "beliefs" and "values." He also talks about how poetry can make us "wonder" about the world around us, which is a powerful reminder of the way that poetry can inspire us to explore the mysteries of life.

The fourth stanza of the poem is all about the spiritual impact of poetry. The speaker talks about how poetry can make us feel "holy" or "profane," and how it can make us feel "close" to God or "far" away from him. He also talks about how poetry can make us feel "mortal" or "immortal," which is a powerful reminder of the way that poetry can help us grapple with the big questions of life.

The final stanza of the poem is all about the power of poetry to change us. The speaker talks about how poetry can "change" the way we see the world, and how it can "change" the way we see ourselves. He also talks about how poetry can "change" the way we relate to others, which is a powerful reminder of the way that poetry can help us connect with one another on a deeper level.

The structure of the poem is also worth noting. It is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of freedom and spontaneity, which is fitting given the subject matter. The poem is also divided into five stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the power of poetry. This structure gives the poem a sense of coherence and unity, and it helps to reinforce the central message of the poem.

The language of the poem is also worth exploring. Nemerov uses a variety of metaphors and images to convey the power of poetry. For example, he compares poetry to a horse that can "kick" us, which is a powerful image that captures the physical impact of poetry. He also talks about how poetry can make us feel like we are "flying," which is a powerful image that captures the sense of transcendence that poetry can inspire.

Nemerov also uses a variety of sensory details to bring the poem to life. For example, he talks about how poetry can make our hearts "race" and our "breath" catch in our throats. He also talks about how poetry can make us feel "cold" or "hot," which is a powerful reminder of the way that poetry can evoke a range of emotions.

In conclusion, "Poetry Kicks" is a classic poem that captures the essence of what poetry is all about. It explores the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual impact of poetry, and it reminds us of the power that poetry has to change us. The structure and language of the poem are both masterful, and they help to reinforce the central message of the poem. If you are a lover of poetry, then "Poetry Kicks" is a must-read.

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