Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Going Away" by Howard Nemerov is a contemplative and evocative poem that captures the complex emotions associated with leaving a familiar place and embarking on a new journey. Through vivid imagery and introspective reflection, Nemerov explores themes of memory, change, and the passage of time.

The poem begins by situating the departure in a specific temporal context: "Now as the year turns toward its darkness." This line not only sets a somber tone but also aligns the personal transition with the natural cycle of the seasons, suggesting an inevitable move toward an ending or a new beginning. The car is packed, and the time has come to start driving west, symbolizing a literal and metaphorical journey into the unknown.

Nemerov reflects on the years spent in the current place, where the speaker and their companion(s) have been "more or less content." This ambivalence captures the mixed feelings that often accompany leaving a place that has been both a source of comfort and discontent. The decision to leave is presented as a natural progression, a part of life's unfolding: "That is how / things happen."

As they prepare to leave, the speaker acknowledges that they will carry their "peculiar memories" into new places and among other people. These memories, both happy and unhappy, are imbued with a "strange tonality" that highlights their inalienable nature. The imagery of a "clear and level light of a late afternoon / out on the terrace, looking to the mountains, / drinking with friends" evokes a sense of nostalgia and the poignancy of moments that seem to paralyze time. The serene and timeless quality of these memories contrasts with the inevitable change they are now facing.

The poem acknowledges both kindness and unkindness experienced in the place they are leaving, suggesting a balanced view of their time there. Despite being young and resolved to move forward, there is a moment of profound emotional impact after saying farewells. The "dry and bitter dust" metaphorically represents the residue of their experiences, and the inability to speak or shed easy tears underscores the depth of their feelings.

The poem moves toward its conclusion with a reflection on the impending changes in the natural world: "Soon / the north wind will shake the leaves, / the leaves will fall." This imagery of autumn leaves falling parallels the theme of departure and loss. The realization that they may never see these familiar sights or people again adds a layer of finality and poignancy to their departure.

The final image of "strangers who stand on the steps, / smiling and waving, before the screen doors / of their suddenly forbidden houses" captures the bittersweet nature of goodbyes. The term "forbidden" suggests that once they leave, the places and people they are leaving behind will become inaccessible, further emphasizing the irrevocable nature of their departure.

"Going Away" by Howard Nemerov is a powerful meditation on the complexities of leaving a familiar place and the emotional weight of carrying memories into new chapters of life. Through its rich imagery and introspective tone, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of change, memory, and the passage of time.

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