Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's poem "Sweeper of Things" presents a poignant portrayal of a humble figure—an African American man—whose task is to sweep the fallen leaves along the paths. Through intricate imagery and subtle social commentary, Nemerov explores themes of labor, dignity, racial dynamics, and the relentless passage of time.

The poem begins with a description of the sweeper, depicted as a "small mild Negro man with a broom." This opening line immediately draws attention to the man's race and his unassuming presence. The use of "small" and "mild" underscores his modest and gentle demeanor. His head tilted to one side as he focuses on his work, the man is deeply engaged in his task, almost as if in a meditative state.

Nemerov's description of the broom as a "windy beard / Curled with the sweeping habit" personifies the tool, suggesting a deep connection between the man and his broom. This imagery highlights the repetitive, rhythmic nature of his work, which is performed under the "high haughty trees" that nonchalantly shed their leaves. The "hickory and ash" trees are described as both majestic and indifferent, dispensing their leaves "easily" or being stripped by the "district wind," which is personified as a force "hunting hypocrisy" and exposing the truth in its "naked and cold" form.

The task of sweeping leaves appears "hopeless" against the relentless tide of nature, especially during the "harsh, hastening days / Before the end," likely referring to the approach of winter. Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenge, the sweeper's broom moves "back and forth / With a tree's patience," suggesting a natural, almost stoic endurance. This patience is likened to "erasers" that "speak the language of pencils," an evocative metaphor indicating a harmonious yet unacknowledged dialogue between creation and erasure, between action and reaction.

The poem further delves into the symbolic weight of the leaves, described as "a thousand thoughts" falling on a "blank page." This metaphor encapsulates the idea of life's myriad experiences and ideas, which, despite the wind's attempts to scatter them, are guided by the sweeper to a place of order, even if temporary. The "archives where disorder / Blazes and a pale smoke becomes the sky" suggests that the leaves, and by extension thoughts and experiences, are ultimately ephemeral and consumed by time.

Nemerov subtly incorporates the social context by describing the interactions between the sweeper and the passersby, who are implied to be white. They exchange polite greetings about the weather, but underneath this surface interaction lies a deeper, unspoken understanding. The line "Masters, we carry our white faces by / In silent prayer, Don't hate me" reveals an underlying tension and awareness of racial dynamics. The "broom's antennae" metaphorically pick up this unspoken plea, highlighting the sweeper's perceptiveness and the unacknowledged burden he carries.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the sweeper's work and the nature of his existence. He is portrayed as having a "careful, kindly mind" that contemplates numerous thoughts yet remains powerless to effect significant change. This observation underscores the dignity and quiet resilience of the sweeper, who continues his task despite its apparent futility.

"Sweeper of Things" by Howard Nemerov is a rich, multifaceted exploration of the human condition through the lens of a seemingly simple act of sweeping leaves. It offers a meditation on the intersection of race, labor, and the inexorable passage of time, highlighting the grace and endurance found in everyday tasks and the unspoken connections that bind people across different walks of life. Through its detailed imagery and reflective tone, the poem invites readers to contemplate the deeper significance of ordinary experiences and the quiet strength of those who perform them.

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