'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.


Submitted by Gnute

Editor 1 Interpretation

Storm Windows: An Analysis and Interpretation

Howard Nemerov's poem "Storm Windows" is a nostalgic look at the effects of a winter storm on the speaker's childhood home, and the emotions that result from it. Through the use of vivid imagery and careful diction, Nemerov captures the reader's attention and creates a sense of longing for a simpler time.

Background and Context

Howard Nemerov was an American poet who was born in New York City in 1920. He served in World War II and received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1978. He wrote many poems about themes such as nature, history, and the human condition. "Storm Windows" was first published in his 1957 collection, "The Image and the Law".

Analysis

The poem begins with the speaker describing the snow falling outside, and how it covers everything in a "white quiet". This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is reflective and introspective. The first stanza also introduces the concept of "storm windows", which will play a significant role in the poem's meaning.

The second stanza goes on to describe the speaker's childhood home, and how the storm windows were installed each winter to keep out the cold. The use of the word "hinged" to describe the windows creates a sense of solidity and permanence. The speaker then describes how the windows made the house feel "tight", as if it were a ship in a storm. This metaphor is effective in conveying the sense of security and stability that the windows provided.

The third stanza shifts the focus to the speaker's memories of his family, and how they would gather in the warm, cozy house during winter storms. The use of the word "hibernate" to describe this state of being is clever, as it reinforces the idea of the house being a safe haven from the harsh winter weather. The use of the word "whistling" to describe the wind outside adds to the sense of contrast between the storm and the warmth inside the house.

The fourth stanza introduces the conflict of the poem. The speaker describes how the storm windows would sometimes make it difficult to see outside, and how he would press his face against the glass to try and get a glimpse of the world beyond. This desire to see beyond the confines of the house represents a yearning for something more, and creates a sense of tension and restlessness.

The fifth stanza describes the aftermath of the storm, and how the snow would pile up against the windows. The use of the word "etched" to describe the patterns that the snow made on the glass is effective in conveying the sense of beauty that can be found even in the midst of chaos. The final line of the stanza, "The world was gone, except for sky," is a powerful image that suggests a sense of isolation and detachment from the outside world.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the image of the snow falling outside. The speaker reflects on how the storm windows created a sense of safety and warmth, but also a feeling of being cut off from the world. The use of the phrase "glass confine" is a poignant way to describe this feeling of being trapped. The final two lines of the poem, "I looked to where the drenched stars / Waited and calculated behind the snow," suggest a sense of hope and possibility, as if the speaker is eager to break free from the confines of the house and explore the world beyond.

Interpretation

"Storm Windows" is a poem that explores the tension between safety and freedom. On the one hand, the storm windows represent a sense of security and stability, and the warmth of the house provides a comforting respite from the harsh winter weather. On the other hand, the windows also create a sense of isolation and detachment from the outside world, and the speaker is left yearning for something more.

The poem can be read as a metaphor for the human experience. We all seek safety and security, but we also crave freedom and the ability to explore the world around us. The storm windows represent the barriers that we put up to protect ourselves, but which can also prevent us from fully experiencing life.

The final lines of the poem suggest that the speaker is eager to break free from these confines and explore the world beyond. This can be read as a call to action, encouraging the reader to embrace their own sense of curiosity and venture out into the unknown.

Conclusion

"Storm Windows" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. Through the use of vivid imagery and careful diction, Howard Nemerov creates a sense of tension between safety and freedom, and leaves the reader with a sense of hope and possibility. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience and provoke thought and reflection.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Storm Windows: A Poem of Reflection and Resilience

Howard Nemerov's poem "Storm Windows" is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores the themes of resilience, reflection, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Nemerov takes us on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation, inviting us to reflect on our own lives and the challenges we face.

The poem begins with a description of the storm windows that the speaker has installed in his house. These windows, which are designed to protect the house from the harsh winds and rains of a storm, serve as a metaphor for the speaker's own resilience in the face of life's challenges. The speaker tells us that he has "put up the glass to see the storm" - in other words, he has taken steps to protect himself from the storm, but he has not hidden from it completely. He is still able to observe and experience the storm, even as he remains safe and protected.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the changes that have occurred in his life. He tells us that "the time has come to talk of many things," and he begins to reminisce about his past. He remembers the "old days" when he was young and carefree, and he reflects on how much has changed since then. He tells us that "the world is a different place," and he wonders if he has changed too.

Throughout the poem, Nemerov uses powerful imagery to convey the speaker's emotions and thoughts. For example, he describes the storm as a "wild white-haired old man" who is "rattling the windows" and "shaking the house." This image conveys the speaker's sense of vulnerability and fear in the face of the storm, but it also suggests that the storm is a force to be reckoned with - a force that cannot be ignored or dismissed.

As the poem reaches its climax, the speaker begins to find a sense of peace and acceptance. He tells us that "the storm has battered all the trees," but he also notes that "the trees are standing still." This image suggests that even though the storm has caused damage and destruction, the trees - like the speaker himself - have remained resilient and strong. They have weathered the storm and come out the other side, still standing.

In the final lines of the poem, the speaker reflects on the lessons he has learned from the storm. He tells us that "the storm windows are still up," but he also notes that "the storm has passed." This image suggests that even though the speaker has taken steps to protect himself from the storm, he knows that the storm will eventually pass. He has learned to be resilient and to weather the storms of life, but he also knows that he cannot hide from them forever.

Overall, "Storm Windows" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of resilience, reflection, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Nemerov invites us to reflect on our own lives and the challenges we face. He reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can remain strong and resilient, and that we can learn valuable lessons from the storms of life.

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