Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mary Oliver's poem "Humm" is a richly layered meditation on life, growth, and the unstoppable forces of nature. Through vivid imagery and a blend of personal reflection and broader natural observation, Oliver explores themes of resilience, transformation, and the inevitable progression of time.

The poem begins with an auditory experience: "One summer afternoon I heard / a looming, mysterious hum / high in the air." This mysterious hum is soon identified as a swarm of bees, described as "something / like a small planet flying past." The bees are portrayed with a sense of purpose and excitement, emphasizing their collective determination and energy: "not to be held back. / Nothing could hold them back." This opening sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the theme of unstoppable natural forces.

In the second section, Oliver shifts to various snapshots of the natural world: "Gannets diving. / Black snake wrapped in a tree, our eyes / meeting." These images convey a sense of direct, sometimes unsettling, connection with nature. The mention of "the grass singing / as it sipped up the summer rain" personifies the landscape, suggesting an intimate harmony within the ecosystem. The section concludes with a nostalgic reflection on childhood, where the poet recalls "the child that was myself, that kept running away / to the also running creek." This evokes a sense of innocence and freedom, with the natural world serving as a sanctuary.

The third section introduces a more somber, introspective tone with "SAID THE MOTHER": "You are going to grow up / and in order for that to happen / I am going to have to grow old / and then I will die, and the blame / will be yours." This stark statement underscores the inevitable cycle of life and death, and the intertwined destinies of parent and child. It reflects on the complex emotions surrounding growth and loss.

In the fourth section, "OF THE FATHER," Oliver addresses themes of identity and personal struggle: "He wanted a body / so he took mine. / Some wounds never vanish." Despite this, the poet finds a way to embrace life: "Yet little by little / I learned to love my life." The recurring phrase "not to be held back" reinforces the theme of perseverance and the necessity of moving forward despite challenges.

The fifth section introduces a lighter, more playful note: "I think there ought to be / a little music here: / hum, hum." This interlude suggests a need for joy and rhythm amidst the poem's deeper reflections.

In the sixth section, Oliver celebrates the wonders of the natural world: "The resurrection of the morning. / The mystery of the night." The imagery here is vibrant and dynamic, capturing moments of beauty and awe: "The hummingbird’s wings. / The excitement of thunder. / The rainbow in the waterfall." This section emphasizes the constancy and renewal found in nature, paralleling the poet's own journey of understanding and acceptance.

The final section, "Oh the house of denial," offers a cautionary note about the dangers of denial and the importance of awareness: "Oh the house of denial has thick walls / and very small windows / and whoever lives there, little by little, / will turn to stone." The poet reflects on a period of confusion and escape: "In those years I did everything I could do / and I did it in the dark – / I mean, without understanding." The repeated acts of running away symbolize a search for clarity and escape from stagnation.

The poem closes with a return to the bees, now seen as a symbol of resilience and determination: "They were awfully little, those bees, / and maybe frightened, / yet unstoppably they flew on, somewhere, / to live their life." The final lines, "Hum, hum, hum," echo the bees' persistent hum, serving as a metaphor for the continuous, unceasing flow of life.

In "Humm," Mary Oliver masterfully intertwines personal reflection with observations of the natural world. The poem captures the essence of resilience and the relentless pursuit of life, urging readers to embrace the beauty and challenges of existence with a sense of wonder and determination. Through her lyrical language and rich imagery, Oliver invites us to find harmony within ourselves and the world around us, recognizing the unstoppable forces that drive us forward.

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