Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Plane," Howard Nemerov uses concise, evocative language to capture the dual nature of an airplane in flight: its tangible presence and its ephemeral, almost mythical, image. The poem explores themes of perception, identity, and the interplay between the material and the immaterial.

The opening line, "The winged shadow with the self within," immediately sets up a duality between the physical object (the plane) and the human presence (the self) inside it. This "winged shadow" suggests both the literal shadow cast by the plane and the more abstract idea of a shadow as an incomplete or transient image of reality. The "self within" acknowledges the pilot or passengers, emphasizing the human element that gives purpose to the mechanical.

"Image projected at infinity" adds to this sense of duality and abstraction. The plane, as it moves through the sky, becomes an image that seems to extend infinitely, hinting at the boundless nature of flight and the limitless sky. This projection at infinity also suggests the idea of the plane as a symbol or icon, transcending its physical form.

The phrase "Caught in the sky-completed rainbow's eye" introduces a poetic and almost mystical element. Rainbows, which result from the interaction of light and water, symbolize a bridge between the tangible and the intangible. The "rainbow's eye" personifies this natural phenomenon, suggesting that the plane, with its human occupants, is part of a larger, interconnected cosmos. The plane's flight is thus seen as part of a broader, harmonious natural order.

"Haloed in the gunsight of the sun" juxtaposes a peaceful, almost divine image ("haloed") with a more violent, militaristic one ("gunsight"). This contrast highlights the complex nature of human technology, which can be used for both creation and destruction. The sun's "gunsight" might imply both the scrutiny under which human actions are placed by nature and the potential for conflict inherent in technological advancement.

The final line, "CruisE's beneath its substance, one on one," brings the focus back to the individual plane in its journey. The use of "CruisE's" (with the capitalized "E" perhaps a typographical choice for emphasis) suggests a steady, controlled movement. "Beneath its substance" can be interpreted as the plane navigating through the air, with the "substance" referring to the sky or atmosphere that supports its flight. The phrase "one on one" implies a direct, singular focus, perhaps representing the intimate relationship between the plane and its environment, or between the pilot and the machine.

Nemerov's "Plane" captures the essence of flight through a blend of literal description and metaphorical depth. The poem's language evokes the delicate balance between the tangible and intangible, the human and the mechanical, the peaceful and the violent. Through its rich imagery and thoughtful contrasts, "Plane" invites readers to consider the multifaceted nature of technology and its place within the natural world.

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