Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's "Observation of October" paints a vivid portrait of human responses to the changing season, using October as a metaphor for the onset of mortality and the cyclical nature of despair and renewal. Through succinct, evocative imagery and a contemplative tone, the poem explores themes of fear, isolation, and the simplicity underlying human behavior in the face of existential concerns.

The poem opens with the phrase "An old desperation of the flesh," immediately setting a tone of weariness and existential dread. This line captures the physical and emotional exhaustion that often accompanies the transition into colder months. The subsequent "Mortification and revivification / Of the spirit" suggests a dual process of decline and potential renewal, hinting at the cyclical nature of human experience where periods of despair can lead to moments of spiritual rebirth.

Nemerov contrasts the behaviors of those who "work outdoors" with those who "pull down blinds against the sun." This dichotomy highlights different responses to the encroaching cold and darkness of October. The outdoor workers face the elements directly, embodying resilience and acceptance of nature's cycles, while those who draw their blinds represent retreat and denial, seeking to insulate themselves from the harsh realities outside.

The observation of "a cold October day" evokes a visceral sense of the season's chill, and Nemerov identifies "Fear of death in the weather." This fear is reflected in the behavior of people in the streets, who "are hurrying," driven by an unspoken anxiety. Meanwhile, those at home "take hot baths / Or pace the floor and refuse to go out," illustrating a spectrum of coping mechanisms ranging from seeking comfort to experiencing restlessness and avoidance.

As winter approaches, Nemerov notes that many people "go early to bed at night, refuse / To admit their friends or read the papers, / And sleep curled up." This retreat into solitude and the fetal position symbolizes a regression to a more primitive, vulnerable state, akin to hibernation. The refusal to engage with the outside world—friends, news—reflects a broader withdrawal from the complexities and potential threats of life.

The poem concludes with the observation, "There are, I think, / Simplicities in every life." This final line offers a counterpoint to the preceding descriptions of fear and retreat. It suggests that beneath the layers of anxiety and behavior shaped by seasonal changes, there lies a fundamental simplicity in human existence. This simplicity might be found in basic routines, the need for comfort, and the intrinsic desire to protect oneself from perceived dangers.

"Observation of October" captures the essence of autumn as a time of introspection and vulnerability. Nemerov's portrayal of human reactions to October's cold and darkness serves as a broader commentary on how people confront their mortality and the inevitable cycles of life. Through his careful attention to detail and empathetic depiction of common behaviors, Nemerov underscores the universal nature of these experiences, reminding readers of the simplicity that underlies even the most complex responses to life's challenges.

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