Spring is like a perhaps hand:
This poem has a very interesting form. There are 4 stanzas but none of them follow a rhyming scheme. The first and third stanza are longer, but of different length; however, the second and fourth stanzas are both a single line, with three words each. The poem begins with a repetition of the title. It is important to note that the word "Spring" has a capitol S. This indicates that spring is the topic, and it is a proper noun, most likely the season. The most important thing to note, however, is the word "perhaps". This indicates that the poet is unsure of his simile, and cannot state the truth of it.
The next line opens with a parenthesis, a device rarely used in poetry. (This seems to indicate that the poet is unsure whether or not this should be included). Another important discrepancy is that the word "Nowhere" is capitalized. This implies that the "hand" comes from a place named Nowhere, which does not physically exist.
The parenthesis ends, and the next words are arranged in such a way to continue to add layers to the poets uncertainty: "arranging/ a window into which people look." It is as if Cummings wrote the words and then thought about what appropriate idea should follow. The "window" the poet speaks of refers to a display window. It is as if spring is like a very elaborate and detailed window dresser.
At the end of the fourth line of stanza one, another parenthesis is opened and a single word, "while" concludes the line. In this parenthetical section each line seems to bean individual description of what "spring" is doing while onlookers stare at the window- the delicacy and care that Spring takes The final line of the first stanza ends the parenthesis and concludes with the word "and" to show the reader that neither spring nor the poet are yet finished.
The second stanza is one line: "changing everything carefully." These three words are used in the first stanza but are repeated here in a different order. Also, this time the words are outside of parenthesis, indicating that the poet knows this information is true and vital.
The third stanza begins with what at first seems like repetition, but there are important things to note. Firstly, the word "spring" is no longer capitalized. This could mean that spring is no longer the object of focus. The line spacing has also changed, where previously Spring is like a perhaps hand was on a single line, now the word Hand" starts the second line and is now capitalized. This could mean that now the Hand itself is the proper noun, or that the "Hand" is the hand of something important, like God.
The third line opens with more parenthesis which extend until the last line of the third stanza. This section is, again, ambiguous as the poet writes of moving things "to/ and from" and capitalizing "New" and "Old." For example, "New" and "Old" might imply objects in the window or they might be the embodiment of Summer and Winter, the New and Old. As these adjustments are taking place, the people continue to stare at the window: "people stare carefully/moving" could mean that the people are the ones staring carefully, or that the "Hand" is carefully moving. Also, the word "perhaps" is used again, suggesting further uncertainty as to who or what is the source of creation. In the final line of the stanza, the parenthesis end, followed by one more word in the line, the word "and". Placing "and" at the end of the line suggests that neither the "perhaps hand" nor the poet are finished..
The final stanza, like the second, is composed of only three words. The words, "without breaking anything" adds to the amazing and magical quality of spring.
Stanzas two and four, as brief as they are, are perhaps the only thing the poet is certain about "S(s)pring. "
