Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Strange Metamorphosis of Poets," Howard Nemerov humorously and insightfully comments on the evolution of American poets, particularly focusing on the transformation of their style, persona, and perhaps ambitions over time. Through clever use of rhyming couplets and pointed observations, Nemerov encapsulates the dynamic journey of a poet's development from simplicity to grandeur, encapsulating a shift that reflects broader changes in both personal and poetic identity.

The poem opens with a sweeping statement: "From epigram to epic is the course / For riders of the American winged horse." This line establishes the trajectory that American poets often follow, transitioning from writing brief, pithy epigrams to expansive, ambitious epics. The "American winged horse" is an allusion to Pegasus, symbolizing the poetic muse or inspiration that propels poets on their creative journeys. The mention of America specifically suggests a distinct cultural or literary tradition that influences this transformation.

Nemerov then delves into the nature of this change: "They change both size and sex over the years, / The voice grows deeper and the beard appears." These lines highlight the physical and stylistic metamorphosis that poets undergo. The change in "size" can be interpreted as a shift from writing shorter, concise works to producing longer, more elaborate pieces. The reference to changing "sex" metaphorically represents a fundamental alteration in the poet's identity or public persona, perhaps becoming more assertive or assuming a different role in the literary world.

The poem continues with a touch of humor and irony: "Running for greatness they sweat away their salt, / They start out Emily and wind up Walt." Here, Nemerov contrasts two iconic American poets, Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, to illustrate the extent of this transformation. Emily Dickinson, known for her succinct and introspective poetry, represents the initial phase of a poet's career—focused, intimate, and often reserved. In contrast, Walt Whitman, with his expansive and grandiose style, embodies the culmination of a poet's evolution—bold, public, and embracing a broader, more inclusive vision.

The phrase "sweat away their salt" suggests the hard work and dedication required to achieve greatness, implying that the journey from an "Emily" to a "Walt" involves significant effort and possibly personal sacrifice. This line also plays on the idea of losing one's initial essence or purity ("salt") in the pursuit of larger ambitions.

"Strange Metamorphosis of Poets" by Howard Nemerov succinctly captures the transformation of poets as they develop their craft and evolve their public personas. Through witty and incisive language, Nemerov reflects on the shifts in style and identity that characterize the poetic journey, using the contrasting figures of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman to underscore the dramatic nature of this change. The poem invites readers to consider the influences and aspirations that shape a poet's evolution, highlighting the interplay between personal growth and the pursuit of literary greatness.

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