Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's poem "Kicks" presents a brief yet striking vignette of human behavior, highlighting themes of cruelty, amusement, and the interaction between humans and nature. The poem’s stark imagery and concise narrative invite readers to ponder the deeper implications of the seemingly simple actions of the fishermen.

The poem begins with a casual observation: “The fishermen on Lake Michigan, sometimes, / For kicks, they spit two hunks of bait on hooks / At either end of a single length of line.” This sets the stage for a scene that unfolds with a mix of curiosity and foreboding. The use of "sometimes" and "for kicks" implies a nonchalant, recreational attitude, suggesting that this activity is done out of boredom or for entertainment rather than necessity. The language here is straightforward, reflecting the casual cruelty of the fishermen’s actions.

The fishermen then toss the baited line “up among the scavenging gulls, / Who go for it so fast that often two of them / Make the connection before it hits the water.” This image is both vivid and disturbing. The gulls, driven by their instinctual hunger, quickly fall into the trap set by the fishermen. The phrase “make the connection” is ironic, as it typically suggests a positive or enlightening encounter, but here it results in the entrapment and suffering of the birds.

The following lines, “Hooked and hung up like that, they do a dance / That lasts only so long,” convey a sense of the grotesque and the ephemeral. The “dance” of the gulls, ensnared and struggling, is a macabre spectacle that underscores the brutality of the fishermen’s pastime. The phrase “lasts only so long” hints at the temporary nature of the gulls' struggle, suggesting that it ends either when they free themselves or succumb to their injuries.

The repetition of the opening lines in the conclusion, “The fishermen / Do that for kicks, on Lake Michigan, sometimes,” serves to emphasize the casual cruelty of the fishermen. This repetition also frames the poem, reinforcing the cyclical and repetitive nature of this behavior. The detached tone with which the fishermen’s actions are described highlights the moral distance between the fishermen and the suffering of the gulls.

Structurally, “Kicks” is a short, single-stanza poem with a conversational tone. Its brevity and straightforward language make the depicted scene all the more impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The poem’s form mirrors its content: just as the fishermen’s actions are quick and unconsidered, the poem itself is concise and unembellished.

Thematically, “Kicks” explores the darker side of human nature, particularly the capacity for casual cruelty and the search for amusement at the expense of other living beings. The fishermen’s actions are a stark reminder of how easily empathy can be overridden by the desire for entertainment. The gulls, with their frantic “dance,” serve as a poignant symbol of the innocent suffering caused by human indifference.

In conclusion, Howard Nemerov’s “Kicks” is a powerful commentary on the casual cruelty that can arise from boredom and the search for amusement. Through its vivid imagery, stark narrative, and thematic depth, the poem challenges readers to reflect on the ethical implications of their actions and the often-overlooked consequences they can have on the natural world. The poem’s brevity and straightforward language enhance its impact, making it a haunting meditation on human behavior and its effects on other creatures.

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