Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Doomsday Books" by Howard Nemerov presents a satirical and somewhat bleak meditation on the myriad ways humanity might meet its end. The poem examines various apocalyptic scenarios, blending them with a critical perspective on contemporary societal behaviors and attitudes.

The opening lines introduce the uncertainty and variety of potential global catastrophes: "Nobody knows if the water will dry up / Before the air gives out or gets to be / Too thick to breathe in." This stark imagery sets the stage for a litany of potential dooms, ranging from environmental collapse to human-made disasters. Nemerov's use of mundane items like traffic, cigarettes, and drugs, alongside more dramatic threats like bombs and plagues, underscores the pervasive sense of vulnerability in modern life.

The poem’s tone shifts to a more fantastical realm with the mention of "fleets from outer space / Full of colonial imperialists from Mars." This inclusion of science fiction elements serves to amplify the absurdity and scope of potential threats, suggesting that the end could come from almost any direction, no matter how improbable.

Nemerov then turns his attention to the cycle of consumption and reproduction: "Meanwhile, the more lovers there are, the more / Consumers there will be, and increased food / Accelerates the fucking frequency / That multiplies the mouths over the food." This candid and somewhat crude observation critiques the unsustainable nature of human behavior, emphasizing the paradox of increased productivity leading to greater consumption and strain on resources. The frank language used here highlights the raw, unfiltered truth of the situation, stripping away any romanticism about human progress and growth.

The line, "We can't win nor we can't even break even / At wearing out this world because we must," encapsulates a sense of inevitability and futility. It suggests that humanity's consumption and exploitation of the planet are inescapable aspects of existence, driven by necessity and inherent tendencies.

Nemerov concludes with a poignant critique of middle-class anxieties: "On every front at once we reach the edge; / At least it seems that way to the middle class, / With Chicken Licken writing all these books." The reference to Chicken Licken, a character from a folktale who believes the sky is falling, satirizes the proliferation of doomsday predictions and the often panicked response of society. This final image serves to mock both the authors of apocalyptic literature and the public's readiness to consume such narratives, reflecting a blend of genuine concern and sensationalism.

The poem's structure, free verse with no fixed rhyme scheme, mirrors the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the threats it describes. Nemerov's language is direct and unembellished, which suits the poem's satirical and critical tone. The use of varied imagery—from everyday items to fantastical elements—creates a sense of overwhelming possibility, reinforcing the theme of uncertainty about humanity's future.

Overall, "Doomsday Books" by Howard Nemerov is a sharp, satirical exploration of the anxieties surrounding potential global catastrophes. Through vivid imagery and a candid critique of human behavior, Nemerov examines the paradoxes and inevitabilities of modern existence. The poem invites readers to reflect on the balance between genuine concern and sensationalism in the face of potential disasters, highlighting the complex interplay between fear, consumption, and survival.

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