Nothing Twice

Wisława Szymborska, a Polish poet, editor, and columnist, authored “Nothing Twice.” Szymborska is a well-known poet who was highly influenced by World War II and Stalinism. She won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1996. Her poems occupy domestic, everyday moments against layers of historical and philosophical backdrops. While her poems appear deceptively simple, they often explore deeper topics. Such is the case with “Nothing Twice.” Though it appears to be a witty poem about life’s fleetingness—with humorous images such as “the planet’s biggest dunce” (Line 6) going to summer school—it delves into more serious themes about existence and how one reconciles their ticking time on earth.

“Nothing Twice” is far from the lighthearted poem it appears to be on the surface. Szymborska uses rhythm, rhyme, repetition, and similes to lighten the verse. Her poems, while serious, are often playful, ironic, and humorous. As a Polish poet who lived through World War II, Szymborska is known for using humor and levity alongside serious themes.

Poet Biography

Wisława Szymborska (1923-2012) was born in the small town of Bnin, Poland. When she was eight years old, her family moved to Krakow where she would live the rest of her life.