Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Death of Giovine" by Christopher Howell is an elegiac tribute to Lew Giovine, a figure presented as a man of profound simplicity, wisdom, and reverence for the world around him. Through serene, almost reverent imagery, Howell captures Giovine's journey into the snowy woods as a final, peaceful departure, celebrating his life as one filled with grace, gratitude, and a deep connection to the beauty of the natural world. Howell’s language invites readers to view death as a gentle transition rather than a loss, portraying Giovine’s final moments as a return to a purer, more eternal realm.

The poem begins with Giovine “go[ing] out among the darkling up-sprayed winter trees,” setting a somber, yet tranquil atmosphere. The “darkling” trees are both eerie and beautiful, implying a landscape at dusk or in winter, marked by a muted light that hints at the end of something—a fitting setting for Giovine’s final walk. The soft snowfall descending “through an eternity of sky” suggests an otherworldly scene, as if the earth itself is gently welcoming Giovine. This snowfall, described as fragments of angels “calling back” to the earth, infuses the moment with a sense of divine calm, suggesting that death is a natural, almost sacred event.

Giovine, though wandering alone in this winter landscape, is unafraid: “he had no fear at all.” This lack of fear marks Giovine as a person deeply at peace with himself and the world around him, accepting even in the face of uncertainty. As he smokes and walks, eventually “losing his way,” he views his surroundings not with anxiety but with wonder, thinking, “This is a fine grove, and this. See, though I am lost, the blessings rise up around me.” The word “blessings” reflects Giovine’s profound gratitude and ability to see beauty, even in the state of being lost. It highlights his openness to life’s mysteries and his willingness to embrace the unknown.

Howell describes Giovine as the “loveliest of word makers, good king of stones who carried no stones,” honoring him as a poet and thinker. The image of Giovine as a “king of stones who carried no stones” suggests he held power or wisdom but bore no burdens—he lived lightly, without unnecessary weight or attachments. His “love of walking when he could have flown” signifies his choice to stay grounded, to appreciate life in its simplest form rather than seeking loftier, more ambitious pursuits. This line implies that Giovine was content with the ordinary, finding fulfillment in the act of walking, reflecting a life dedicated to simplicity and presence.

As Giovine’s journey nears its end, he “sat down to rest under the resting hemlocks,” a moment that reflects both physical and spiritual surrender. The hemlocks, “cold” and unmoving, seem to cradle him, acting as silent witnesses to his departure. The trees’ repeated calls “to wake Giovine who had gone off” evoke the gentle sorrow of the natural world, as if it is reluctant to let him go. However, Giovine’s spirit has already transitioned, “walking and singing in the other world.” This image suggests a continuation of life beyond death, where Giovine’s essence remains free and joyful, now in a different realm where he can continue to experience beauty.

The poem’s closing lines describe Giovine’s body sitting “as though thinking of good friends and wine and a morning fairer than this one, fairer than any morning that has ever been.” This final image is tender and bittersweet, capturing the memory of Giovine in a state of warmth and contentment, his thoughts lingering on the simple joys of friendship, wine, and the promise of an eternal morning. The repetition of “fairer than” underscores the transcendent beauty of the afterlife Howell envisions for him—a place that surpasses even the most beautiful memories of earthly existence.

"Death of Giovine" is both a celebration of life and an acceptance of death as a natural progression. Howell’s portrayal of Giovine as a figure unburdened by fear, who finds wonder and blessing even in solitude and loss, serves as a reminder of the grace in embracing life fully and letting go without resistance. Through gentle imagery and a tone of reverence, the poem affirms the beauty in life’s transience, offering a comforting vision of death as a peaceful, meaningful transition to a world beyond, one filled with continued song and light.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...