Poem Analysis - Ordinary Wind Is Winding

A Breath of Fresh Air: Introduction

E.E. Cummings' "Ordinary Wind Is Winding" is a brief yet evocative poem that captures the multifaceted nature of the wind. The poem uses unconventional syntax and striking imagery to present the wind not as a simple natural phenomenon but as a dynamic force with varying personalities and impacts. Beginning with a sense of chilly freshness, the poem shifts towards a more dramatic and forceful depiction of the wind's power, culminating in an almost violent image. The poem's tone is initially observational, transitioning to a more intense and awe-struck perspective.

The Wind's Many Faces: Exploring Metamorphosis

One central theme of the poem is the transformative nature of the wind. The opening lines present the wind as something "ordinary," yet the parenthetical phrases immediately complicate this simplicity. The "cold face blush" suggests a gentle, almost romantic encounter, while the idea of the wind being "here there tomorrow" hints at its fleeting and unpredictable presence. This initial gentleness contrasts sharply with the later descriptions of the wind as a "theatrical scar wind" and a "thunderclapclapclap(clapclapstrike)." Cummings portrays the wind as a force capable of both subtle caresses and dramatic displays of power, highlighting its diverse and ever-changing character.

From Grace to Violence: The Symbolism of the Wind's Power

The poem utilizes potent imagery to convey the wind's multifaceted nature. The "graceful dove wind" evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, associating the wind with gentleness and purity. However, this image is immediately juxtaposed with the "theatrical scar wind," which suggests a more destructive and impactful force. The "scar" implies a wound or lasting mark, indicating the wind's potential to leave a significant impression. The culminating image of the "thunderclapclapclap(clapclapstrike)" is particularly striking, employing onomatopoeia to create a sense of overwhelming power and even violence. This progression from gentle dove to striking thunder suggests a spectrum of influence, from subtle beauty to destructive force.

Sound and Fury: A Question of Impact

The poem's ending, with its fragmented phrase "thunderclapclapclap(clapclapstrike) struckwinding wind," leaves the reader with a sense of abruptness and unresolved tension. The repetition of "clap" followed by the forceful "strike" creates a cacophony that emphasizes the wind's power. One might interpret this as a commentary on the unpredictable and sometimes destructive nature of forces beyond our control. The parentheses around "(clapclapstrike)" could indicate an internal disruption within the wind, or perhaps a separation from the more typical, gentler aspects of the wind being highlighted. Is the final depiction of the wind entirely negative, or does it also acknowledge the essential role of powerful forces in shaping the world around us? This ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations of the wind's ultimate impact.

A Symphony of Air: Conclusion

In conclusion, "Ordinary Wind Is Winding" is a concise yet powerful exploration of the wind as a dynamic and multifaceted force. Through vivid imagery and unconventional language, E.E. Cummings transforms a simple natural phenomenon into a symbol of both grace and power. The poem’s progression from gentle observations to a climactic display of force underscores the wind's transformative nature and leaves the reader contemplating its unpredictable impact. The poem serves as a reminder that even the most ordinary things can possess extraordinary depth and complexity.