16 pages • 32 minutes read
Snow
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Further Reading & Resources
Related Poems
"The Broken Mirror" by David Berman (1999)
This Berman poem acts as a complete opposite to “Snow.” A villanelle, this poem shows Berman’s range as a poet. Even though this poem is written in strict form with rhyme and meter, its images and use of surreal juxtaposition mimic “Snow.” Additionally, the feeling of coldness and depression present in “Snow” also appears in this poem.
"Random Rules" by Silver Jews (1998)
One of Silver Jews’ most popular songs, the lyrics of “Random Rules” are similar to the lines in “Snow” because of the jumps in place and time, and the strange metaphysical imagery throughout the song. Similar to “The Broken Mirror,” the lyrics and music bask in a melancholy, cold tone where the poet seems highly cognizant of the world and humanity, but at the same time, the poet feels distant and alone.
"The Snowman" by Wallace Stevens (1921)
Wallace Stevens is considered one of the most influential poets of the early-20th century. Stevens’s poem “The Snowman” is one of his most studied. Berman listed Stevens as an influence, and knowing that, it is easy to see the connection in tone and scene between “Snow” and “The Snowman.” While Stevens’s poem has a specific philosophical meaning different from Berman’s, the two poems share an imagistic quality when describing winter. Additionally, Stevens juxtaposes clear sensory imagery with philosophical and spiritual concerns, similar to what Berman does in “Snow.”
Further Literary Resources
"Silver Jews’ David Berman Dies at 52" by Otis Hart (2019)
In this obituary, Hart discusses Berman’s legacy, focusing on Berman’s work with Silver Jews, his poetry, and his latest album released just a month before his death. Of particular note, the obituary quotes Berman discussing his poetry and the meaning of his lyrics. Berman comments on obscurity of meaning in his lyrics, and he says he enjoys writing poetry that allows for multiple interpretations.
David Berman: An Evolution in 11 Songs by Raymond Cummings (2019)
Cummings reflects on Berman’s songwriting legacy, calling his writing “blithe, literate, ponderous, hilarious, [and] despairing.” In this retrospective written after Berman’s death, Cummings breaks down 11 songs from Berman’s career. Cummings brings attention to the literary prowess shown in the tracks, and he argues that Berman’s songwriting legacy will eventually trump the sadness of his suicide.
"David Berman Saw the Source of American Sadness" by Spencer Kornhaber (2019)
In an article written after Berman’s death, Kornhaber argues that Berman’s lyrics were representative of all things Americana. More important, though, is Kornhaber’s point that Berman’s lyrics diagnosed issues in American political and social life. Using biographical information, interviews with Berman, and Berman’s lyrics, Kornhaber makes the case that Berman had a sort of love/hate relationship with America and with other people. The article offers a fascinating analysis of Berman’s artistic obsessions.
"Actual Air in the Purple Mountains: An Interview with David Berman" by Travis Nichols (2019)
In this interview shortly before his death, Berman reflects on his legacy and career. Of note, he says this of his early songs and his poems, including “Snow”:
That the records are my own true blue life experiences distilled and dramatized in song only seems true of the work since 2001. The first three records and the book, those were make-believe. That was world building by a young romantic artist trying to do his part of the necessary re-enchantment of the world.
The comment is interesting when considering “Snow” because it implies the poem is one entirely devoted to fantasy and romanticism. Certainly, the surreal nature of the poem’s world fits this description, but it is also worth noting how self-deprecating Berman was. It stands to reason that his comment about his early work is more modesty than truth.
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