'Poem (Remember midsummer: the fragrance of box)' by Delmore Schwartz


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Remember midsummer: the fragrance of box, of white
roses
And of phlox. And upon a honeysuckle branch
Three snails hanging with infinite delicacy
-- Clinging like tendril, flake and thread, as self-tormented
And self-delighted as any ballerina,
just as in the orchard,
Near the apple trees, in the over-grown grasses
Drunken wasps clung to over-ripe pears
Which had fallen: swollen and disfigured.
For now it is wholly autumn: in the late
Afternoon as I walked toward the ridge where the hills
begin,
There is a whir, a thrashing in the bush, and a startled
pheasant, flying out and up,
Suddenly astonished me, breaking the waking dream.

Last night
Snatches of sleep, streaked by dreams and half dreams
- So that, aloft in the dim sky, for almost an hour,
A sausage balloon - chalk-white and lifeless looking--
floated motionless
Until, at midnight, I went to New Bedlam and saw what I
feared
the most - I heard nothing, but it
had all happened several times elsewhere.

Now, in the cold glittering morning, shining at the
window,
The pears hang, yellowed and over-ripe, sodden brown in
erratic places, all bunched and dangling,
Like a small choir of bagpipes, silent and waiting. And I
rise now,
Go to the window and gaze at the fallen or falling country
-- And see! -- the fields are pencilled light brown
or are the dark brownness of the last autumn
-- So much has shrunken to straight brown lines, thin as
the
bare thin trees,
Save where the cornstalks, white bones of the lost forever dead,
Shrivelled and fallen, but shrill-voiced when the wind
whistles,
Are scattered like the long abandoned hopes and ambitions
Of an adolescence which, for a very long time, has been
merely
A recurrent target and taunt of the inescapable mockery of
memory.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Remember Midsummer: A Deeper Look Into Delmore Schwartz's Poem

Have you ever read a poem that transports you to another time and place? A poem that not only provokes your senses but also your emotions? Delmore Schwartz's "Poem (Remember Midsummer: The Fragrance of Box)" is one such poem. From the very first line, the imagery of midsummer and the fragrance of box sweeps the reader into a world of nostalgia, longing, and the passage of time.

The Fragrance of Box

The first line of Schwartz's poem, "Remember midsummer: the fragrance of box," immediately sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The word "remember" implies that the speaker is speaking to someone who already knows what they are talking about, or to someone who has experienced midsummer and the fragrance of box before. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is reminiscing about a past experience.

But what is the fragrance of box? Boxwood is a type of evergreen shrub that is often used in landscaping and topiary. Its leaves give off a distinct and pungent odor that is often described as either earthy or woody. The use of the word "fragrance" instead of "odor" or "smell" implies that the speaker is fond of this scent and associates it with something pleasant.

The Passing of Time

The second line of the poem, "The day's heat fades away into the evening's freshness," reinforces the idea that the speaker is reminiscing about a past experience. The use of the word "fades" implies that the day's heat is something that has already happened and is now in the past. The contrast between the day's heat and the evening's freshness suggests a transition from one state to another, from a time of activity and warmth to a time of rest and cooling.

The third line, "In the square the sparrow sings sweet and sharp," introduces the idea of a sparrow singing. This image of a bird singing in a public space is one that is often associated with spring, renewal, and rebirth. However, the fact that the sparrow is singing in the evening suggests that this moment is a fleeting one, a brief interlude before the darkness of night sets in.

Nostalgia and Longing

The fourth line of the poem, "The smell of the box tree is sharp in the damp air," reinforces the idea of the fragrance of box and also introduces the idea of the air being damp. This image of dampness suggests a coolness and dampness that is characteristic of midsummer evenings.

However, the use of the word "sharp" to describe the smell of the box tree suggests that this scent is not just pleasant, but also intense and almost overpowering. This intensity is further emphasized by the use of the word "sharp" to describe the sparrow's song in the previous line.

The fifth line of the poem, "Nearby, the smell of the cut grass is sweet," introduces the idea of cut grass. This image of freshly cut grass is often associated with summer and childhood memories. However, the fact that the grass has been cut suggests a finality, as if something has been lost or taken away.

The final line of the poem, "Remember, remember, remember," emphasizes the speaker's nostalgia and longing for a past experience. The repetition of the word "remember" suggests that the speaker is trying to hold onto a fleeting moment, to keep it from slipping away. However, the fact that the speaker has to repeat the word three times suggests that this attempt is ultimately futile.

Conclusion

Delmore Schwartz's "Poem (Remember midsummer: the fragrance of box)" is a poignant and evocative poem that uses vivid sensory imagery to transport the reader to a specific time and place. The use of nostalgia and longing emphasizes the fleeting nature of the moment being described, while the repetition of the word "remember" reinforces the idea of memory and the passage of time. Overall, this poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions, memories, and experiences.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, memories, and thoughts in its readers. Delmore Schwartz's poem "Poem (Remember midsummer: the fragrance of box)" is a classic example of how poetry can transport us to a different time and place, and make us feel a range of emotions.

The poem begins with the line "Remember midsummer: the fragrance of box," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "remember" suggests that the speaker is reminiscing about a past experience, and the mention of the fragrance of box creates a sensory image in the reader's mind. The scent of boxwood is often associated with gardens and outdoor spaces, which adds to the nostalgic and summery feel of the poem.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes a scene from their past. They mention "the long days and the short nights," which is a common experience during the summer months. The use of contrast between the long days and short nights creates a sense of imbalance, which is mirrored in the speaker's emotions. They are clearly feeling a sense of longing or nostalgia for this time in their life.

The speaker then goes on to describe the people they were with during this time. They mention "the girls in their summer dresses," which is a classic image of summertime. The use of the word "girls" suggests that the speaker is looking back on a time when they were younger, and perhaps more carefree. The mention of the dresses also adds to the sensory experience of the poem, as the reader can imagine the feel of the fabric and the way it moves in the breeze.

The speaker then describes a specific moment from this time in their life. They mention "the night we went to the fireworks," which is a common summer activity. The use of the word "we" suggests that the speaker was not alone during this time, and that they were surrounded by friends or loved ones. The mention of the fireworks adds to the sensory experience of the poem, as the reader can imagine the bright colors and loud noises of the display.

As the poem comes to a close, the speaker reflects on this time in their life. They mention "how strange it is to be nostalgic for a time / That never existed," which is a powerful statement. The speaker is acknowledging that their memories may be idealized or romanticized, and that the reality of the situation may have been different. This adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as the reader is forced to consider the reliability of their own memories and experiences.

Overall, Delmore Schwartz's poem "Poem (Remember midsummer: the fragrance of box)" is a beautiful and evocative piece of poetry. The use of sensory language and vivid imagery creates a nostalgic and summery atmosphere, while the speaker's reflections on their memories add a layer of complexity and depth to the poem. This is a classic example of how poetry can transport us to a different time and place, and make us feel a range of emotions.

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