"It may be said that poems are in one way like icebergs: only about a third of their bulk appears above the surface of the page"

In this poignant quote, Howard Nemerov draws a compelling parallel between poems and icebergs, recommending that much of a poem's essence is concealed beneath its surface. Simply as the mass of an iceberg is primarily submerged, the depth and meaning of a poem typically lie beneath the literal words on the page. This comparison welcomes readers to engage with poetry more exceptionally, encouraging an expedition beyond the apparent or shallow analysis of the text.

Nemerov's analogy highlights the layered nature of poetry. On the surface area, a poem provides a collection of words, rhythms, and images. However, the real effect of poetry often lives in what is not right away visible-- the emotions, significances, historical contexts, and individual analyses that develop from a deep reading. Like the larger, hidden part of an iceberg, these concealed components of a poem invite readers to look much deeper and reflect more thoughtfully, allowing each reader to uncover layers of implying that resonate personally.

This metaphor also stresses the craft of poetry. Poets should carefully select each word and phrase, as the restraints of type and brevity suggest that much must be interacted with extremely little. The visible words are the tip of the iceberg, elaborately crafted to stimulate broader connotations and feelings lying underneath. This economy of language is what typically makes poetry so powerful: much like an iceberg, its real scale and effect are far higher than what is at first perceived.

Furthermore, Nemerov's insight talks to the experiential nature of poetry reading. Each reader might view different facets of the "submerged" portion depending upon their own experiences, feelings, and knowledge. Hence, a poem's surprise layers can move and alter, making each reading uniquely transformative. By likening poems to icebergs, Nemerov not just underscores the richness of poetry however likewise elevates the function of the reader as an active participant in revealing the much deeper meanings that lie below.