Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Fable of the War" by Howard Nemerov is a deeply reflective and haunting poem that explores the themes of death, war, and endurance. Through vivid imagery and historical allusions, Nemerov delves into the existential and moral dimensions of soldiers' experiences during war, portraying them as both literally and metaphorically dead.

The poem begins with a description of the scene: "The full moon is partly hidden by cloud, / The snow that fell when we came off the boat / Has stopped by now, and it is turning colder." This sets a somber and cold atmosphere, suggesting a bleak and desolate environment. The moon, partly obscured by clouds, adds to the sense of foreboding and uncertainty.

The speaker paces "the platform under the blue lights, / Under a frame of glass and emptiness / In a station whose name I do not know." This imagery evokes a sense of alienation and disorientation, as the speaker finds himself in a place devoid of identity or familiarity. The platform and station symbolize a liminal space, a threshold between life and death.

As the speaker observes his surroundings, he notices "the known and unknown / Bowed faces of my company, the sad / And potent outfit of the armed." This highlights the collective despair and weariness of the soldiers. The realization that "we are dead" underscores the dehumanizing and destructive nature of war, stripping away the vitality and humanity of those involved.

The reference to "stormless Acheron" situates the soldiers in the realm of the dead, drawing on Greek mythology where Acheron is one of the rivers of the underworld. The "occasional moon / Strikes terribly from steel and bone alike," suggesting that the light of the moon reveals the stark reality of their condition, exposing both the remnants of their physical selves and the cold, unyielding nature of war.

Nemerov's portrayal of the soldiers' flesh as "too corruptible / For the huge work of death" emphasizes the fragility of human life in the face of the immense and relentless force of war. The "blind / Crater of the eye" that "can suffer well / The midnight cold of stations in no place" symbolizes the emotional numbness and desolation that soldiers must endure, as they become mere shadows of their former selves.

The poem then introduces a biblical allusion to King Solomon, whom God allowed to stand upright after death "until the temple / Should be raised up." This reference suggests a parallel between Solomon's posthumous endurance and the soldiers' current state. Just as Solomon stood until his work was completed, the soldiers must remain steadfast until their purpose, however grim, is fulfilled.

The poem concludes with a call for endurance: "So, gentlemen-by greatcoat, cartridge belt / And helmet held together for the time- / In honorably enduring here we seek / The second death." This "second death" refers to the ultimate surrender to mortality, beyond the metaphorical death they already experience. The soldiers are urged to lean on their guns, much like Solomon leaned on his stick, to prevent the "great work" from faltering.

Through its rich imagery and allusions, "Fable of the War" by Howard Nemerov offers a poignant meditation on the horrors of war and the enduring human spirit. The poem reflects on the dual realities of physical death and existential despair, capturing the profound and tragic experience of soldiers who find themselves caught in the relentless machinery of conflict. The work underscores the idea that even in the face of death and desolation, there is a need to uphold one's duty and honor, a theme that resonates deeply with the human condition.

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