'Relearning Winter' by Mark Svenvold


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Hello Winter, hello flanneled
blanket of clouds, clouds
fueled by more clouds, hello again.

Hello afternoons,
off to the west, that silver
of sunset, rust-colored
and gone too soon.

And night (I admit to a short memory)
you climb back in with chilly fingers
and clocks, and there is no refusal:
ice cracks the water main, the garden hose
stiffens, the bladed leaves of the rhododendron
shine in the fog of a huge moon.

And rain, street lacquer,
oily puddles and spinning rubber,
mist of angels on the head of a pin,
hello,

and snow, upside-down cake of clouds,
white, freon scent, you build
even as you empty the world of texture-
hello to this new relief,
this new solitude now upon us,
upon which we feed.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Relearning Winter: A Masterpiece of Winter Imagery and Reflection

Winter is a season of transformation, of renewal, and of introspection. It is a time when the world seems to slow down, and we are all given a chance to reflect on our own lives and experiences. Mark Svenvold's poem, "Relearning Winter," captures the essence of this season in a truly remarkable way. With its rich imagery and haunting beauty, this poem offers us a glimpse into the depths of the human experience, and reminds us of the power of nature to both inspire and challenge us.

At its core, "Relearning Winter" is a poem about renewal and transformation. The speaker begins by describing the arrival of winter, with its "slow, cold fingers" and its "white and silver cloak." The imagery here is striking and vivid, conjuring up a powerful sense of the season's arrival. But this is just the beginning of the poem's exploration of winter's transformative power. As the speaker reflects on the season, he begins to see it as a time of rejuvenation and renewal. He writes:

"This is the season of relearning: how to walk on ice and not fall, how to breathe in the cold air and feel it fill your lungs."

Here, the speaker is speaking not just of physical actions, but of a deeper, more spiritual transformation. He is talking about the need to relearn how to live in harmony with the natural world, and to embrace the challenges and opportunities that winter presents. This is a powerful message, and one that is especially relevant in our modern, fast-paced world.

One of the most striking things about "Relearning Winter" is its use of imagery. Svenvold is a master at creating vivid, evocative images that stay with the reader long after the poem is finished. From the "slow, cold fingers" of winter to the "black and white world" that it creates, the poem is full of powerful and memorable imagery. One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of a frozen pond:

"The pond is frozen over now, the reeds that grew along its banks are silent, still, and frozen too."

This image is haunting and beautiful, capturing the stillness and mystery of winter in a way that is both poetic and profound. It reminds us of the power of nature to create moments of stillness and reflection, and of the importance of embracing these moments when they come.

Another powerful aspect of "Relearning Winter" is its use of language. Svenvold's writing is lyrical and poetic, full of rich metaphors and evocative descriptions. He is a master at using language to create mood and atmosphere, and to draw the reader into his world. Consider the following lines:

"The trees are bare and dark against the sky, their branches thin and reaching, like the hands of men who have nothing left to give."

These lines are stunning, both in their beauty and in their emotional power. They capture the sense of loss and emptiness that can come with winter, while also reminding us of the beauty and resilience of nature.

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of "Relearning Winter" is its message. At its heart, this poem is a meditation on the human experience, and on the ways in which we can learn and grow from our encounters with the natural world. It is a reminder that, despite our many struggles and challenges, there is always hope for renewal and transformation. As the speaker writes:

"This is the season of relearning, of finding new ways to walk in the world, of seeing ourselves and each other in a different light."

These lines are both hopeful and challenging, reminding us of the power of winter to inspire and transform us, even in our darkest moments.

In conclusion, "Relearning Winter" is a masterpiece of winter imagery and reflection. With its vivid imagery, lyrical language, and powerful message, it is a poem that speaks to the deepest parts of the human experience. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone looking for a moment of quiet reflection, this poem is sure to touch your heart and leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and awe for the world around us. So take a moment to read it, to savor its language and imagery, and to reflect on the many ways in which winter can transform and renew us all. You won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Relearning Winter: A Poem of Reflection and Renewal

Winter is a season that often evokes mixed emotions. Some people love the crisp air, the snow, and the cozy nights by the fire. Others dread the cold, the darkness, and the isolation. In his poem "Relearning Winter," Mark Svenvold explores these conflicting feelings and invites us to embrace the season as a time of reflection and renewal.

The poem begins with a vivid description of winter's arrival: "The first snowfall is a surprise / even when you know it's coming." This line captures the sense of anticipation and wonder that many of us feel when we see the first snowflakes of the year. It also suggests that winter is a cyclical event that we can prepare for but never fully predict or control.

The next stanza shifts the focus to the speaker's personal experience of winter: "I've forgotten how to dress for it / how to walk on ice / how to breathe in the cold." Here, Svenvold taps into a common theme in literature and art: the idea of forgetting or losing touch with something essential. In this case, the speaker has forgotten how to adapt to winter's challenges and pleasures. This could be read as a metaphor for losing touch with one's inner self or with nature.

The third stanza introduces a new character: "My daughter, who is six, / is learning winter for the first time." This line brings a sense of innocence and wonder to the poem, as we imagine a child experiencing the joys and mysteries of winter for the first time. It also suggests that winter is a season that can be learned and appreciated anew, regardless of one's age or experience.

The fourth stanza returns to the theme of adaptation: "She's learning how to dress for it / how to walk on ice / how to breathe in the cold." This repetition of the previous stanza's lines reinforces the idea that winter is a skill that can be learned and relearned. It also suggests that the speaker is learning from his daughter, or at least seeing winter through her eyes.

The fifth stanza introduces a new image: "We walk to the park / where the snow is untouched / and the trees are bare." This line creates a sense of stillness and emptiness, as if the world has been stripped down to its essential elements. It also suggests that the park is a place of renewal and possibility, where anything can happen.

The sixth stanza deepens this sense of possibility: "We make snow angels / and throw snowballs / and laugh until our faces hurt." This line brings a sense of joy and playfulness to the poem, as we imagine the speaker and his daughter reveling in the simple pleasures of winter. It also suggests that winter is a season that can bring people together and create lasting memories.

The seventh stanza shifts the tone again, as the speaker reflects on his own mortality: "I'm not as young as I used to be / and winter reminds me of that." This line brings a sense of melancholy and introspection to the poem, as we imagine the speaker coming to terms with his own mortality and the passing of time. It also suggests that winter is a season that can inspire reflection and contemplation.

The eighth and final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of winter: "But winter is always new / and always the same / and always a surprise." This line reinforces the idea that winter is a season that can be both familiar and unpredictable, both comforting and challenging. It also suggests that winter is a season that can inspire us to embrace change and renewal.

In conclusion, "Relearning Winter" is a poem that invites us to embrace the season of winter as a time of reflection, renewal, and possibility. Through vivid imagery, repetition, and shifts in tone, Mark Svenvold captures the conflicting emotions that winter can evoke and suggests that we can learn to appreciate and adapt to its challenges and pleasures. Whether we are young or old, experienced or new to winter, this poem reminds us that there is always something to be learned and relearned from this timeless season.

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