Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's poem "Weather of the World" intricately links the physical phenomena of weather with the emotional and psychological states of humanity. By framing the earth's atmosphere as a "great sensorium" and attributing human qualities to weather patterns, Nemerov explores the profound connection between the natural world and human experience.

The poem opens with a modern image: "Now that the cameras zero in from space / To view the earth entire, we know the whole / Of the weather of the world, the atmosphere." This perspective, enabled by technology, allows humanity to observe the planet's weather as a unified system. The phrase "great sensorium" suggests that the atmosphere is akin to a vast sensory organ, capable of feeling and reacting, much like the human mind.

Nemerov personifies the weather, describing it as having "contradictions, tempers, moods," capable of being "serene, gloomy or mad." This anthropomorphism reflects the unpredictability and complexity of both weather and human emotions. The weather's "huge explosions" and "brooding in / Depressions" mirror the extremes of human feelings, from anger and violence to sadness and contemplation.

The poem continues to explore the impact of weather on human lives, with lines like "trailing tears in floods of sorrow / That drown the counties and the towns." This vivid imagery highlights the destructive power of weather, which can evoke deep emotional responses in people. Nemerov sees weather as a "beast / Of water and air," a force that humanity is both a witness to and a victim of, encapsulating the uncontrollable aspects of nature and human emotion.

Nemerov further develops the metaphor by likening the weather to a "shaman shifting shape," suggesting a mystical and transformative quality. The weather's "mind" is described as being akin to both the world's and humanity's, encompassing "smiles, rages and aridities" that reflect the collective emotional states across continents. This connection implies that human experiences and emotions are mirrored in the natural world, creating a profound interdependence.

The poem delves into the psychological complexity of this relationship, invoking concepts from psychoanalysis: "The id, the superego, and the god / Of this world." These references to Freudian theory suggest an internal struggle for balance within the human psyche, paralleled by the inherent instability of weather patterns. The "apparent devil of the will" represents the uncontrollable forces that govern both the mind and the natural world, highlighting the tension between human desires and the indifferent universe.

Nemerov concludes with a reflection on the interconnectedness of all these elements: "Reacting and reflecting on our lives / In windy eloquence and rainy light / As in the brilliant stillness of the sun." This final image encapsulates the poem's central theme: the weather, with all its variability, is a mirror of human existence, reacting to and reflecting our deepest emotions and states of being. The "windy eloquence" and "rainy light" symbolize the expressive power of nature, while the "brilliant stillness of the sun" suggests moments of clarity and peace amidst the chaos.

"Weather of the World" by Howard Nemerov eloquently captures the profound connection between the natural world and human emotions. Through vivid imagery and personification, Nemerov explores the idea that weather is not just a physical phenomenon but also a reflection of the human condition. The poem invites readers to contemplate the deep interdependence between humanity and the environment, recognizing the ways in which our inner lives are mirrored in the ever-changing weather.

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