Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Du Rêve, De La Mathématique, Et De La Mort" by Howard Nemerov is a reflective and intellectually playful poem that contemplates the themes of dreams, mathematics, and death. The poem opens with the speaker stumbling upon an intriguing title in a card catalog, which sparks a moment of curiosity and introspection. Nemerov uses this encounter to explore the relationship between these profound concepts and the limits of human understanding.

The poem begins with the speaker noting the discovery of a fascinating book title: "On dreams, on mathematics, and on death. / Card-catalogues turn up such heady stuff." This immediate juxtaposition of dreams, mathematics, and death sets the stage for an exploration of how these seemingly disparate themes might interconnect. The speaker is momentarily captivated by the "rapture from the depths," suggesting that these topics evoke a deep and powerful response.

The speaker recalls "Borges' poor young clerk," a reference to the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, known for his intricate and philosophical stories. This allusion adds a layer of literary context, invoking Borges' themes of infinite libraries, labyrinthine searches for knowledge, and the blending of reality and fiction. The speaker briefly entertains the idea of writing on these themes himself, envisioning "the shortest work / The world had ever seen on three such themes / Of such import as death and math and dreams." This notion highlights the challenge and perhaps the futility of attempting to encapsulate such vast and complex subjects in a brief format.

The speaker then considers seeking out the book but quickly dismisses the idea: "I think of asking that a search be made, / But give it up, my French is not so great / And right now I've got plenty on my plate." This pragmatic decision reflects a recognition of the limits of the speaker's capabilities and the practical constraints of daily life. The serendipitous discovery of the title seems to mock the speaker's "ignorance," as it tempts with knowledge just out of reach.

Despite this, the speaker acknowledges a lingering curiosity: "And yet-? But I shall let this once-glimpsed fish / Swim through the deep of thought beyond my wish." The metaphor of a fish swimming away symbolizes the fleeting nature of curiosity and the acceptance of not pursuing every intellectual whim. The speaker resigns to "knowing nothing more / Du rêve, de la mathématique, et de la mort," embracing the mystery and the limits of personal knowledge.

Nemerov's language throughout the poem is conversational yet laden with philosophical undertones. The casual tone and self-deprecating humor contrast with the weighty themes, making the poem both accessible and thought-provoking. The structure of the poem, with its measured pace and reflective pauses, mirrors the contemplative process of encountering and relinquishing a complex idea.

Overall, "Du Rêve, De La Mathématique, Et De La Mort" by Howard Nemerov is a meditation on the intersection of dreams, mathematics, and death, and the nature of intellectual curiosity. Through the narrative of discovering and letting go of a tantalizing book title, Nemerov explores the human desire for knowledge, the acceptance of our limitations, and the beauty of leaving some mysteries unsolved. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own encounters with the unknown and the balance between curiosity and contentment.

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