Burning the Old Year
By Naomi Shihab Nye
Letters swallow themselves in seconds.
Notes friends tied to the doorknob,
transparent scarlet paper sizzles like moth wings,
marrying the air.So much of any year is flammable,
lists of vegetables, partial poems.
Orange swirling flame of days,
so little is a stone.Where there was something and suddenly isn’t,
an absence shouts, celebrates, leaves a space.
I begin again with the smallest numbers.Quick dance, shuffle of losses and leaves,
only the things I didn’t do
crackle after the blazing dies.
Summary of Burning the Old Year
- About the Poem: Naomi Shihab Nye’s “Burning the Old Year” is a reflective poem that uses the act of burning papers and notes at year’s end as a metaphor for letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. It’s not about dramatic farewells, but a gentle acceptance of change and loss.
- Central Idea: The poem suggests that much of our lives is transient and easily released, like the papers consumed by flame. True regret, however, lingers with the undone, the unrealized possibilities that “crackle” even after the blaze subsides.
- A Note on the Poet: Naomi Shihab Nye is known for her accessible and deeply human poetry. Often drawing on her Palestinian‑American heritage, her work explores themes of family, memory, and the everyday wonders of life. “Burning the Old Year” exemplifies her ability to find profound meaning in simple, ordinary moments.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in ‘Burning the Old Year’
Literary devices are the tools poets use to create deeper meaning and imagery. Nye skillfully employs several throughout this poem, enhancing its emotional resonance.
- Imagery: The poem is rich with vivid imagery, creating a sensory experience for the reader. Consider the line, “transparent scarlet paper sizzles like moth wings.” We can almost see the fragile paper, feel the heat, and hear the delicate crackling. This appeals to our senses of sight, sound, and even touch.
- Simile: A simile makes a comparison using “like” or “as.” The line “sizzle like moth wings” is a perfect example. It connects the burning paper to the fragility and fleeting nature of a moth’s life, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and memory.
- Metaphor: While not explicit, the entire poem functions as an extended metaphor. The act of burning represents letting go of the past, both the joyful and the sorrowful. The flames symbolize transformation and the potential for renewal.
- Personification: Nye gives human qualities to inanimate objects. “An absence shouts, celebrates, leaves a space” is a striking example. Absence, something intangible, is given the ability to express emotion, highlighting the powerful impact of loss.
- Alliteration and Consonance: Subtle use of sound devices adds musicality to the poem. Notice the repetition of the “s” sound in “swallow themselves in seconds” and “sizzle.” This creates a pleasing rhythm and draws attention to those particular phrases.
- Enjambment: The poem frequently uses enjambment, where a phrase or sentence continues onto the next line without punctuation. This creates a flowing, conversational rhythm and mimics the way thoughts unfold naturally. For example, the first five lines flow seamlessly, mirroring the quick consumption of the papers.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Burning the Old Year”
Beyond literary devices, certain poetic techniques shape the poem’s form and meaning.
- Free Verse: The poem is written in free verse, meaning it doesn’t adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Nye to create a natural, conversational tone and emphasize the emotional content over formal structure.
- Diction: Nye’s word choice is deliberate and precise. She favors simple, evocative language, like “flammable” and “crackle,” which contribute to the poem’s accessibility and emotional impact. The words chosen are tangible and relatable.
- Stanza Structure: The poem is divided into four stanzas, each contributing to the overall narrative. The first stanza focuses on the act of burning, the second on the ephemera of time, the third on embracing new beginnings, and the fourth on acknowledging lingering regrets.
- Imagery and Symbolism Combined: The “orange swirling flame” isn’t just a visual image, but a symbol of time passing and the transformative power of letting go. The color orange often represents warmth, energy, and change.
Examining Key Lines and Their Meaning
Let’s delve deeper into specific lines to unlock their layers of meaning.
“So much of any year is flammable,”
This line is deceptively simple, yet profound. It suggests that much of our lives—our possessions, memories, even our experiences—are fleeting and easily consumed by time. The word “flammable” implies both vulnerability and the potential for transformation.
“Where there was something and suddenly isn’t,
an absence shouts, celebrates, leaves a space.”
This is a powerful and somewhat paradoxical statement. Loss is often associated with sadness, but Nye suggests that absence can also be liberating. The “space” left behind allows for new growth and possibilities. The personification of absence is particularly striking.
“Quick dance, shuffle of losses and leaves,
only the things I didn’t do
crackle after the blazing dies.”
These lines offer a poignant conclusion. The “quick dance” and “shuffle” suggest the fleeting nature of life and loss. The lasting regret is not for what we have lost, but for the opportunities we didn’t seize. The “crackle” of unfulfilled dreams lingers long after the flames have died down. This is a powerful reminder to embrace the present and pursue our passions.
“Burning the Old Year” is a beautifully crafted poem that resonates with readers on a deeply personal level. Through its evocative imagery, skillful use of language, and thoughtful exploration of universal themes, Naomi Shihab Nye offers a poignant reflection on time, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. It is a reminder to embrace change, let go of the past, and focus on creating a meaningful future.