Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Snakes of September" is a poem by American poet Stanley Kunitz. It was first published in his 1971 collection "Passing Through: The Later Poems, New and Selected". Kunitz was a highly respected American poet who served as the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress twice, and won several awards for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

Explanation:

"Snakes of September" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of change, growth, and the natural world. The speaker reflects on the end of summer, a time of transition when the natural world begins to shift from a season of growth and vitality to one of decline and decay.

As the speaker contemplates the changing landscape around him, he becomes increasingly aware of the presence of snakes, which are a symbol of transformation and rebirth. The poem ends on a note of both sadness and hope, as the speaker acknowledges the passing of one season and the arrival of another, but also finds solace in the idea of renewal and regeneration.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Snakes of September" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme or meter scheme.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid, sensory images, such as the "slimy glint" of the snakes and the "browning fronds" of the ferns.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is introspective and melancholy, with moments of both sadness and wonder.
• Metaphor: The snakes are a metaphor for the cycles of life and the transformative power of change.

Conclusion:

"Snakes of September" is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving poem that explores some of the most profound themes of the human experience, including change, growth, and the cycles of life. Kunitz's use of vivid imagery and rich language creates a sense of both beauty and sadness, while his exploration of the transformative power of change adds depth and nuance to the poem.

Poem Snippet:

"Summer is over, and I have a cold,

I breathe in the smell of the herbs

dead and drying, the world gone

all sour and thin, stripped of its

summer feathers."

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