Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Extract from Memoirs" by Howard Nemerov is a reflective and whimsical poem that humorously imagines the perspective of an inventor who has created one of humanity's most fundamental innovations: the wheel. Through the persona of this ancient inventor, Nemerov explores themes of creativity, the relationship between invention and its implications, and the sometimes surprising gap between the act of creation and its broader significance.

The poem begins with the inventor recalling a particularly triumphant day: "Surely one of my finest days, I'd just / Invented the wheel." This line sets a tone of casual grandeur, as if inventing the wheel was just another day's work. The simplicity of the statement belies the monumental impact of this invention.

The inventor continues to describe his activities that day, highlighting his inventive spirit and ingenuity: "and in the afternoon / I stuck a bit of charcoal under the bark / And running it along a wall described / The cycloid curve." This detail emphasizes the natural curiosity and resourcefulness of the inventor, who not only creates the wheel but also explores its geometric properties. The "cycloid curve" is a mathematical concept related to the path traced by a point on the rim of a rolling circle, indicating the inventor's deep engagement with his creation.

As evening falls, the inventor sings "My hymn to the great original wheels of heaven," connecting his earthly invention to the celestial realm. This act of singing a hymn suggests a sense of reverence and awe for the natural order and the larger universe, acknowledging that his creation is part of a greater cosmic design. The inventor then experiences a sleep "peopled with gods," indicating that his mind is filled with divine inspiration and dreams, further emphasizing the mythic quality of his achievements.

The poem takes a humorous turn when the inventor communicates his results to the "celestial academies" and sends them "Models along with my descriptions." The response from these celestial beings is a formal inquiry into the broader implications of the wheel for human values. This moment highlights the difference between practical invention and philosophical or ethical considerations.

The inventor's reply to their question is both lofty and dismissive: "'I made the damn thing go around,' I said, / 'You fellows go and figure what it's for.'" This response encapsulates the inventor's practical mindset, focusing on the functional success of his creation rather than its broader societal implications. The humor lies in the contrast between the celestial academies' profound inquiry and the inventor's straightforward, no-nonsense attitude.

Through this playful narrative, Nemerov addresses the often overlooked gap between invention and interpretation. The inventor's creation of the wheel is a pivotal moment in human history, yet his primary concern is its practical utility, leaving the philosophical and ethical considerations to others. This dynamic mirrors real-world scenarios where inventors and creators may not fully grasp or concern themselves with the wider impacts of their work.

"Extract from Memoirs" by Howard Nemerov cleverly uses humor and historical imagination to explore the nature of creativity and invention. The poem invites readers to reflect on the relationship between practical innovation and its broader implications, highlighting the different roles that creators and thinkers play in shaping human progress. Through the persona of the ancient inventor, Nemerov captures the spirit of ingenuity and the enduring human drive to explore and create, while also reminding us that the full significance of our creations often lies beyond the immediate act of invention.

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