Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“At the Equinox” by Christopher Howell is a contemplative and richly textured poem that captures the balance between change and constancy, as embodied in nature during the shifting time of an equinox. Through its vivid imagery and detailed observations, the poem explores themes of renewal, the passage of time, and the subtle connections between living beings and their environment.

The poem is divided into two distinct parts, each contributing to a broader understanding of the world’s quiet transformations during this transitional period. In the first section, Howell sets the scene with an evocative atmosphere: “It is after the rain and before the rain and the smell is a smell of soil drinking and sighing.” This opening line establishes a sense of anticipation and in-betweenness, reflecting the equinox itself, which marks the balance between day and night. The sensory description of the soil “drinking and sighing” evokes an image of the earth absorbing moisture, suggesting both rejuvenation and contentment.

The playful and transient energy of the moment is mirrored by the animals in the scene. “Dogs play with the vacancy of the vacant lot across the street,” a line that conveys both movement and the paradox of emptiness filled with life. The dogs’ uninhibited play contrasts with the more cautious behavior of the birds: “Birds are dipping very fast very suspiciously; in the gun-blue air all of them are black.” The “gun-blue air” introduces a hint of tension, a reminder that spring, while hopeful, carries with it an edge of unpredictability. The birds, rendered in stark black against the sky, signify a fleeting presence that adds to the atmosphere’s dynamism.

One of the most striking moments in the first part is the anthropomorphized tree that begins “to hum out a little Mozart.” This image suggests the stirring of life within the natural world, the breaking of winter’s silence as spring’s vitality takes hold. The tree’s decision “to let go of her impossible strength” embodies the surrender to growth and the season’s renewing energy. The line “(what the hell, it’s spring)” injects a note of humor and spontaneity, reinforcing the feeling of release and acceptance. The sudden “avalanche of birdsong, like a cheer,” underscores this newfound freedom, enveloping the scene in sound and movement as the branches welcome the chorus.

In the second part, Howell shifts the focus from the collective vitality of spring to a more introspective and quiet moment as the day wanes. The scene narrows to a single character: “My white cat is the only cat in sight.” The cat’s solitary presence emphasizes calmness and contemplation, standing in contrast to the earlier liveliness. The cat “crosses the road to leave his scent on some bus tires,” an act that signifies both ownership and the marking of territory, anchoring the cat—and by extension, the speaker—within this shared space.

The cat’s call, “Softly he calls to one of his brotherhood / hidden in the darkness,” suggests connection, even in the approaching night. This moment reflects an unspoken community, the presence of others that remains felt even when unseen. The transition from day to night is marked by the white rose that “draw[s] night slowly down / around its shoulders.” This image is both delicate and powerful, depicting nightfall as an embrace, a quiet and natural culmination of the day’s activities. The rose, personified as drawing night around itself, symbolizes acceptance of the cycle of time and the gentle beauty inherent in endings.

Overall, “At the Equinox” evokes the tension and harmony between the shifting forces of nature and time. Howell’s attention to detail and choice of imagery create a poem that captures the essence of change, from the riotous song of birds to the silent, graceful movements of the cat and the rose. The equinox, as a moment of balance between light and dark, is mirrored in the poem’s structure and tone—celebratory and reflective, lively and serene. Through this balance, Howell invites readers to appreciate the quiet transformations that define both nature and human experience, suggesting that growth, connection, and continuity are always present, even in the smallest moments.

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