'December Night' by W.S. Merwin
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The cold slope is standing in darkness
But the south of the trees is dry to the touch
The heavy limbs climb into the moonlight bearing feathers
I came to watch these
White plants older at night
The oldest
Come first to the ruins
And I hear magpies kept awake by the moon
The water flows through its
Own fingers without end
Tonight once more
I find a single prayer and it is not for men
Editor 1 Interpretation
December Night by W.S. Merwin: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever walked outside on a cold winter night and looked up at the stars? Have you ever felt the stillness of the world around you, as if everything else had disappeared except for the sound of your breath and the beating of your heart? This is the feeling that W.S. Merwin captures in his poem, "December Night." Through his vivid imagery and rich language, he takes us on a journey through a winter landscape, inviting us to experience the magic and mystery of the season.
An Overview of the Poem
"December Night" is a short poem, consisting of only eight lines. Despite its brevity, however, it is a powerful piece of poetry that evokes a strong emotional response. The poem is written in free verse, with no discernible rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, Merwin uses a variety of poetic devices, such as alliteration, repetition, and imagery, to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the stillness of the night. He writes, "For years we have come in the nights of December / to sit by the fire and see the darkness outside." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the idea of a tradition or ritual that takes place during this time of year. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of the winter landscape, writing, "The night is still, the fields are brought close around us / And the stars are caught in the branches of our spruces." Here, he uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the scene, with the stars literally being caught in the branches of the trees.
The final four lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker writes, "The stars are a revolving map of the sky / No less than the things we know, what we measure / The heart that reconsiders and the mind that weighs / One thing against another." These lines suggest that there is a deeper meaning to the winter landscape, that it is not just a beautiful scene to be admired, but also a reflection of the human condition. The stars, like our thoughts and emotions, are constantly moving and changing, and it is up to us to make sense of them.
Imagery and Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of "December Night" is its use of imagery and symbolism. Merwin's descriptions of the winter landscape are rich and evocative, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and mysterious. The stars, in particular, are a recurring image throughout the poem, representing not only the beauty of the natural world, but also the complexity and richness of human experience.
The image of the stars being caught in the branches of the spruces is particularly powerful, as it suggests a sense of closeness and intimacy between humanity and the natural world. The stars are not just distant symbols of the infinite, but are instead caught in the branches of our own trees, as if they are a part of our own world.
Another significant image in the poem is that of the fire. The speaker refers to "sitting by the fire" as a kind of ritual or tradition, suggesting that it is something that has been passed down through generations. The fire is a symbol of warmth and comfort, a source of light and heat that is necessary for survival in the harsh winter landscape. It is also a symbol of community and togetherness, as people gather around it to share stories and warmth.
Themes and Interpretations
"December Night" touches on a number of themes and ideas, including the power of tradition, the beauty of the natural world, and the complexity of human experience. One of the most significant themes of the poem is that of the human relationship with nature. The speaker's descriptions of the winter landscape suggest a deep respect and reverence for the natural world, as if he sees it as a kind of sacred space. This is particularly evident in his description of the stars, which he describes as a "revolving map of the sky." This suggests that the natural world is not just a random collection of objects, but is instead a meaningful and purposeful system that we can try to understand and make sense of.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of tradition and ritual. The speaker suggests that the act of sitting by the fire during the nights of December is something that has been passed down through generations, a kind of shared experience that connects us to our ancestors. This idea of tradition and ritual is important because it suggests that there are certain things that are timeless and universal, that connect us to the past and the future.
Finally, "December Night" touches on the idea of human experience and the complexity of the human mind. The speaker suggests that the stars, like our own thoughts and emotions, are constantly moving and changing, and it is up to us to make sense of them. This suggests that human experience is not just a collection of random events, but is instead a complex and meaningful process that requires reflection and contemplation.
Conclusion
"December Night" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the magic and mystery of the winter landscape. Through his use of vivid imagery and rich language, W.S. Merwin invites us to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world, while also reflecting on the complexity and richness of human experience. This is a poem that rewards careful reading and contemplation, and that invites us to see the world in a new and deeper way.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
December Night by W.S. Merwin is a classic poem that captures the essence of winter nights. The poem is a beautiful portrayal of the stillness and quietness of a winter night, and the emotions that come with it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the overall meaning of the poem.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the stillness of the night. The first line, "For John Ashbery," is a dedication to the poet John Ashbery, who was a contemporary of Merwin. The speaker then goes on to describe the silence of the night, "Quietly, quietly, the moon / Is shining on leaves and snow." The repetition of the word "quietly" emphasizes the stillness of the night and creates a sense of calmness.
The second stanza of the poem describes the speaker's emotions as he stands outside on the winter night. The speaker says, "I am sitting here looking at the stars / On this December night." The use of the word "sitting" creates a sense of stillness and contemplation. The speaker is not just looking at the stars, but he is also reflecting on his life and the world around him.
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the theme of time. The speaker says, "The time is moving / Like a river, like a clock." The use of the simile "like a river" creates an image of time flowing continuously, and the simile "like a clock" emphasizes the regularity of time. The speaker is aware of the passing of time and how it affects everything around him.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the theme of mortality. The speaker says, "The time is moving / And we are moving with it." The use of the word "we" emphasizes the speaker's awareness of his own mortality and the mortality of those around him. The speaker is aware that time is constantly moving forward, and that life is fleeting.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the theme of nature. The speaker says, "The stars are moving / Across the sky, the trees / Are moving in the wind." The use of the word "moving" creates a sense of motion and change. The speaker is aware of the constant movement of nature and how it affects everything around him.
The sixth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the theme of spirituality. The speaker says, "The time is moving / And we are moving with it / Into the light." The use of the phrase "into the light" creates a sense of hope and spirituality. The speaker is aware that time is moving forward, but he is also aware that there is a greater purpose to life.
The seventh and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker concludes his thoughts. The speaker says, "Quietly, quietly, the moon / Is shining on leaves and snow." The repetition of the word "quietly" creates a sense of calmness and stillness. The speaker is aware of the passing of time and the mortality of life, but he is also aware of the beauty of the world around him.
The poem is full of literary devices that enhance the overall meaning of the poem. The use of repetition, simile, and imagery creates a sense of stillness and contemplation. The repetition of the word "quietly" emphasizes the stillness of the night, and the simile "like a river" creates an image of time flowing continuously. The use of imagery, such as "the moon / Is shining on leaves and snow," creates a vivid picture of the winter night.
In conclusion, December Night by W.S. Merwin is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of winter nights. The poem explores themes of time, mortality, nature, and spirituality. The use of literary devices such as repetition, simile, and imagery enhances the overall meaning of the poem. The poem is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, even in the stillness of a winter night.
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