Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Marriage" by Robert Creeley is a concise yet profoundly moving exploration of the complexities, depth, and evolution of marital love. Through the economy of words characteristic of his style, Creeley encapsulates the journey of a marriage from its hopeful beginning to its poignant end, marking the significant milestones with a retainer—a term traditionally used to denote something given in advance to secure services or a pledge.

The poem opens with a traditional symbol of marriage, "a golden wedding ring," signifying the beginning of the couple's life together. This initial gift represents not only a promise of commitment but also the societal and personal expectations that accompany the institution of marriage.

The second retainer is a simple, intimate gesture— "late at night he woke up, / leaned over on an elbow, and kissed her." This act, set in the quiet of the night, speaks to the deeper, more personal moments of connection that define a relationship beyond its formal inception. The spontaneity and tenderness of the gesture highlight the affection and companionship that grow with time, the quiet moments that solidify the bond between two people.

The third and last retainer marks a profound and final act of love: "he died with and gave up loving and lived with her." This line poignantly captures the ultimate sacrifice and depth of commitment, where the act of dying and the cessation of the capacity to love are presented as a final gift. It suggests a love that transcends physical presence and continues to shape the life of the surviving partner. The phrase "gave up loving" could imply that in death, the ability to actively love ceases, yet the impact of that love endures. The choice to "live with her" in the sense of remaining a part of her life even in absence, reflects the indelible mark left by deep, lasting love.

The progression from a tangible symbol of marriage to the intangible yet profound expressions of love and ultimate separation reflects the arc of a relationship over time. Creeley's use of the term "retainer" in this context invites reflection on what we hold onto, what we give, and what remains after we are gone. The poem speaks to the essence of human connection—how it is expressed, how it evolves, and how it endures beyond the physical limitations of life and death.

"A Marriage" stands as a testament to the depth and complexity of love within the seemingly simple structure of a lifelong partnership. Creeley's masterful economy of language and depth of insight render a vivid portrayal of love's enduring presence, even in the face of its ultimate conclusion in death.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...