Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Dial Tone" by Howard Nemerov is a contemplative poem that explores the nature of existence and continuity through the metaphor of a dial tone. The poem opens with a moment of silence, setting the stage for the steady, uninterrupted sound of the dial tone, which the speaker acknowledges as not a new occurrence but something perpetually ongoing. This introduction positions the dial tone as a constant in the background of human experience, suggesting an omnipresent and indifferent force.

Nemerov's use of the dial tone as a metaphor highlights its role as a bridge between society and the self, posing a "Neutrality perceptible to sense." The dial tone, described as a "no man's land," serves both the lawyer and the lover, embodying a "charged innocence." This neutrality is emphasized through its indifference to human affairs, such as "race results" or personal disputes, reflecting its dispassionate nature. The tone persists regardless of the emotions or actions of those who interact with it, remaining unchanged "after the sane / And mad hang up at once."

The poem then transitions into a more abstract contemplation, invoking the image of a hummingbird or a bumblebee buzzing through the abyss of eternity. This image conveys a sense of endless motion and division of space, yet without the sweetness or light typically associated with these creatures. When the bee or hummingbird is removed, what remains is a continuous hum, likened to the grin of the Cheshire Cat from "Alice in Wonderland" – a disembodied, persistent presence that can "move and wait" simultaneously.

Nemerov's comparison to "an endless freight train on an endless flat" further emphasizes the relentless, unending nature of the dial tone. This metaphor underscores the concept of a power that is both omnipresent and anonymous, "some loneliest of powers / That never has confessed its secret name." The dial tone's persistence, unaffected by human interaction or time, symbolizes an existential constancy that outlasts individual presence and perception.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the nature of this constant presence. The speaker expresses a lack of doubt that the dial tone would remain unchanged even if one dedicated significant time to it and then abandoned it. This ending reinforces the theme of an indifferent, enduring force that exists independently of human engagement.

In terms of structure and style, "Dial Tone" is composed of 27 lines with a consistent rhyme scheme, though it does not adhere strictly to a particular form like a sonnet or villanelle. Nemerov's language is precise and measured, reflecting the poem's meditative tone. The use of enjambment and varied line lengths adds to the fluidity of the poem, mirroring the continuous, uninterrupted nature of the dial tone itself.

Overall, "Dial Tone" by Howard Nemerov is a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the perpetual forces that surround and transcend human experience. Through the metaphor of the dial tone, Nemerov invites readers to consider the presence of constant, indifferent elements in the backdrop of life, prompting a reflection on the intersections between society, self, and the inexorable flow of time.

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