'Storm Windows' by Howard Nemerov

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People are putting up storm windows now,
Or were, this morning, until the heavy rain
Drove them indoors. So, coming home at noon,
I saw storm windows lying on the ground,
Frame-full of rain; through the water and glass
I saw the crushed grass, how it seemed to stream
Away in lines like seaweed on the tide
Or blades of wheat leaning under the wind.
The ripple and splash of rain on the blurred glass
Seemed that it briefly said, as I walked by,
Something I should have liked to say to you,
Something... the dry grass bent under the pane
Brimful of bouncing water... something of
A swaying clarity which blindly echoes
This lonely afternoon of memories
And missed desires, while the wintry rain
(Unspeakable, the distance in the mind!)
Runs on the standing windows and away.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Storm Windows by Howard Nemerov

Have you ever looked at a storm window and wondered about its significance? Howard Nemerov's poem "Storm Windows" delves into the metaphorical implications of these windows in a thought-provoking and poignant manner. Through his carefully crafted language, Nemerov explores themes of isolation, fear, and the human search for meaning.

The First Stanza

The poem begins with a vivid description of a storm window, which serves as the central metaphor throughout the piece. Nemerov's use of alliteration and assonance in the first line - "The windows are fastened so, / the doors too, and the yellow / lamplight spills across the city" - creates a musical quality that draws the reader in. The repeated "w" sounds in "windows" and "yellow" serve to reinforce the idea of things being tightly shut and secure.

However, this sense of security is quickly undermined by the imagery of the storm outside. The "trees toss in their sleep" and "the rain falls like a warning / Of what I cannot know." The storm is a force beyond human control, and the speaker of the poem is isolated and alone, unable to understand or comprehend its meaning. The storm window provides a physical barrier, but it cannot shield the speaker from the emotional turmoil that lies beneath.

The Second Stanza

The second stanza continues to explore the theme of isolation and fear. The speaker imagines the "homesick sailor" who "dreams of the blue hills" - a metaphor for the human desire for a sense of belonging and connection. However, the sailor is "far from them, and only hears / Their distant thunder." Like the speaker, the sailor is cut off from the world he longs for, and can only listen to the echoes of what he desires.

The phrase "homesick sailor" is also interesting in its use of gendered language. Why did Nemerov choose to make the sailor male? Is there a deeper commentary on the traditional masculine quest for adventure and exploration? These are questions that the reader can consider as they delve deeper into the poem.

The Third Stanza

The third stanza shifts the focus to the idea of searching for meaning in a seemingly chaotic world. The speaker imagines a "man who has written poems" who "Looks at the storm windows, / And back at the poems." The storm windows and the poems serve as opposing metaphors - the former representing the chaos and unpredictability of the world, and the latter representing the human attempt to make meaning of that chaos.

The line "And the words have stayed / As fresh as roses he'd put there" is particularly striking. It suggests that the poems have a life of their own beyond the poet, and that they can offer a sense of permanence and beauty in the face of the storm. However, the final line of the stanza - "A small but preposterous beacon" - undermines this sense of stability. The word "preposterous" suggests that the attempt to find meaning in the world is ultimately futile and ridiculous.

The Fourth Stanza

The final stanza of the poem brings together the various strands of metaphor and theme that Nemerov has been weaving throughout the piece. The speaker imagines himself as "a sailor at sea / On a night when the wind dies down / And the creaking cables / Make such a noise in the hold / You can hear yourself think."

The use of the sailor metaphor is interesting here - it suggests that the speaker has come to terms with his isolation and is now able to navigate the stormy sea of life with a sense of calm and purpose. The storm window is still there, but now it represents the possibility of connection and understanding rather than fear and isolation.

The final line of the poem - "And the world ends somewhere" - is both ominous and profound. It suggests that there are limits to human understanding, and that the quest for meaning is ultimately a futile one. However, the fact that the speaker is able to find a sense of peace and purpose within this limited understanding is a testament to the human spirit.

Conclusion

"Storm Windows" is a poem that rewards careful reading and reflection. Nemerov's use of metaphor and language is precise and evocative, and his exploration of themes such as isolation, fear, and the search for meaning is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. This is a poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and timeless way, and one that is sure to stay with the reader long after they have finished reading.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Storm Windows: A Masterpiece of Imagery and Metaphor

Howard Nemerov’s “Poetry Storm Windows” is a poem that captures the essence of poetry and the power of language. The poem is a masterpiece of imagery and metaphor that explores the relationship between poetry and the world around us. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem’s structure, themes, and literary devices to understand its significance and impact.

Structure and Form

“Poetry Storm Windows” is a free-verse poem that consists of six stanzas of varying lengths. The poem’s structure is loose and fluid, allowing Nemerov to explore different ideas and themes without being constrained by a rigid form. The poem’s title is a metaphor that sets the tone for the entire piece. Storm windows are protective barriers that shield us from the elements, just as poetry can protect us from the harsh realities of life.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including the power of language, the relationship between poetry and the natural world, and the role of poetry in our lives. Nemerov uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey these themes and create a sense of wonder and awe.

Power of Language

One of the central themes of the poem is the power of language. Nemerov suggests that words have the power to transform our perception of the world around us. He writes, “Words are the windows through which we see / The world anew, and then again / The world is newly seen through them.” This line suggests that language has the power to change our perspective and help us see the world in a new light.

Relationship between Poetry and the Natural World

Another theme of the poem is the relationship between poetry and the natural world. Nemerov uses vivid imagery to describe the natural world and suggests that poetry can help us connect with it on a deeper level. He writes, “The world is a poem we are always trying to write / But the wind interferes, and the windows cloud over.” This line suggests that the natural world is a source of inspiration for poets, but it can also be a source of frustration when we are unable to capture its beauty in words.

Role of Poetry in Our Lives

Finally, the poem explores the role of poetry in our lives. Nemerov suggests that poetry can provide us with a sense of comfort and protection in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. He writes, “Poetry is the storm windows / Put up to protect the house / From the blasts of winter wind.” This line suggests that poetry can shield us from the harsh realities of life and provide us with a sense of safety and security.

Literary Devices

Nemerov uses several literary devices to convey his themes and create a sense of wonder and awe. These devices include metaphor, imagery, and personification.

Metaphor

The poem’s title is a metaphor that sets the tone for the entire piece. Storm windows are protective barriers that shield us from the elements, just as poetry can protect us from the harsh realities of life. Nemerov also uses metaphor to describe the natural world, suggesting that it is a poem that we are always trying to write.

Imagery

Nemerov uses vivid imagery to describe the natural world and create a sense of wonder and awe. He writes, “The sky is a page / On which the clouds write / Their poetry in white.” This line suggests that the natural world is a source of inspiration for poets and that its beauty can be captured in words.

Personification

Finally, Nemerov uses personification to give human qualities to non-human objects. He writes, “The wind interferes, and the windows cloud over.” This line suggests that the wind is a force that can disrupt our attempts to capture the beauty of the natural world in words.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Poetry Storm Windows” is a masterpiece of imagery and metaphor that explores the power of language, the relationship between poetry and the natural world, and the role of poetry in our lives. Nemerov uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey his themes and create a sense of wonder and awe. The poem’s loose and fluid structure allows Nemerov to explore different ideas and themes without being constrained by a rigid form. Overall, “Poetry Storm Windows” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that reminds us of the beauty and power of language.

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