Howard Nemerov was an American poet born in 1920. He passed away in 1991 after a prestigious career that solidified his reputation as one of the most important American poets of the 20th century. He also penned collections of fiction and prose and worked as an editor.
‘Because You Asked about the Line Between Prose and Poetry’ by Howard Nemerov is a beautiful poem that uses birds and in climate to describe the difference between prose and poetry.
Sparrows were feeding in a freezing drizzle
That while you watched turned to pieces of snow
Riding a gradient invisible
From silver aslant to random, white, and slow.
‘On Getting Out of Vietnam’, written by American poet Howard Nemerov, is a symbolic poem based on the US’s involvement in Vietnam War (1955-1975). It alludes to the Greek legend of Theseus and the Minotaur.
Theseus, if he did destroy the Minotaur
(It's hard to say, that may have been a myth),
Was careful not to close the labyrinth.
‘Walking the Dog’ by Howard Nemerov is a poem about an owner, his dog, and the walks they go on. The poet expresses the various sights he sees with his pet and the things they do and don’t share.
Two universes mosey down the street
Connected by love and a leash and nothing else.
Mostly I look at lamplight through the leaves
While he mooches along with tail up and snout down,
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