Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's poem "Dependencies" beautifully captures the intricate and interconnected cycles of nature, using vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection to explore themes of change, continuity, and the delicate balance within ecosystems. Through observations of specific natural phenomena, Nemerov invites readers to contemplate the broader implications of these cycles on life and existence.

The poem opens with a precise scene: "This morning, between two branches of a tree / Beside the door, epeira once again / Has spun and signed his tapestry and trap." The spider, referred to by its genus name Epeira, creates a web that serves both as a work of art and a mechanism for survival. This duality sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the beauty and functionality inherent in nature.

Nemerov then tests the spider's "early-warning system," and it responds: "he scrambles forth in sable with / The yellow hieroglyph that no one knows / The meaning of." The spider's reaction underscores the sensitivity and alertness necessary for survival. The "yellow hieroglyph" on the spider's back, mysterious and unreadable, symbolizes the complexity and unknown aspects of nature's signals and signs.

The poem shifts to a reflection on other natural events: "How yesterday at dusk the nighthawks came / Back as they do about this time each year, / Grey squadrons with the slashes white on wings / Cruising for bugs beneath the bellied cloud." This description of nighthawks hunting highlights the cyclical nature of migration and predation, part of the ongoing rhythms of the natural world.

Nemerov anticipates further changes: "Now soon the monarchs will be drifting south, / And then the geese will go, and then one day / The little garden birds will not be here." The mention of monarch butterflies and geese migrating southward, followed by the eventual departure of smaller birds, illustrates the seasonal transitions and the interconnectedness of these species' movements.

Observing the changing foliage, Nemerov notes: "See how many leaves already have / Withered and turned; a few have fallen, too." The fallen leaves serve as a tangible sign of change, reinforcing the idea that transformation is a constant, ongoing process.

The poem then delves into a moment of introspection: "Change is continuous on the seamless web, / Yet moments come like this one, when you feel / Upon your heart a signal to attend / The definite announcement of an end / Where one thing ceases and another starts." Here, Nemerov captures the poignant awareness of transition, where certain moments stand out and signal significant changes. This awareness parallels the spider's sensitivity to vibrations on its web.

Nemerov extends the metaphor of the web to encompass all of nature: "When like the spider waiting on the web / You know the intricate dependencies / Spreading in secret through the fabric vast / Of heaven and earth, sending their messages / Ciphered in chemistry to all the kinds." The "intricate dependencies" reflect the interconnectedness of all life forms and their reliance on each other for survival. These dependencies are "ciphered in chemistry," highlighting the underlying biological processes that govern life.

The poem concludes with a powerful realization: "The whisper down the bloodstream: it is time." This final line encapsulates the essence of the poem—the subtle yet profound signals that drive the cycles of life, prompting species to migrate, leaves to fall, and ecosystems to shift.

"Dependencies" by Howard Nemerov is a contemplative and richly detailed exploration of the natural world's interconnectedness. Through precise observations and reflective insights, Nemerov illustrates the delicate balance and continuous change inherent in nature, inviting readers to appreciate the complexity and beauty of these cycles. The poem serves as a reminder of the intricate web of life that binds all living things, where every action and change reverberates through the vast fabric of existence.

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