Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Reading Robert Creeley’s Autobiography," Robert Bly reflects on aspects of Robert Creeley’s life and personality, using selective memories and symbolic imagery to convey admiration and empathy for Creeley’s steadfast individuality. The poem reads as a tribute, celebrating the unique and sometimes contradictory qualities that define Creeley, such as his love for conversation, his stubbornness, and his loyalty to what he loves. Bly captures the essence of Creeley’s character not through a straightforward biography but through brief, evocative moments that suggest a deeper understanding of his friend’s temperament and values.

The opening line, “He adored skating on that small river as a boy,” introduces a sense of nostalgia, evoking Creeley’s childhood with a simple yet powerful image. The image of skating on a small river suggests freedom, joy, and an early connection to nature and solitude. This scene of young Creeley skating captures a moment of pure, unfettered enjoyment, symbolizing a certain simplicity and groundedness that may have remained with him throughout his life. The river, as a symbol of both constancy and change, may reflect Creeley’s own personality—a blend of steadiness and adaptability, shaped by his experiences yet rooted in a deep sense of self.

The next lines, “And he loved talking. Good talking amounts / To ‘never saying what the other wants / To hear,’” hint at Creeley’s characteristic independence and perhaps his resistance to conforming to others’ expectations. Bly describes Creeley’s “good talking” as an act of authenticity, one that does not pander or cater to what others wish to hear. This portrayal underscores Creeley’s commitment to truthfulness in communication, even if it means being difficult or unexpected. The act of “never saying what the other wants to hear” becomes a form of integrity, an unwillingness to compromise his thoughts or beliefs for the sake of pleasing others. Bly likens this quality to “dark green leaves, receding, / Or shining,” an image that evokes depth, complexity, and a natural beauty that is not always immediately visible or appreciated.

“A victory, friend, an amazing / Thing,” Bly continues, expressing admiration for Creeley’s uniqueness and steadfastness. This “victory” is not one of conquest or external achievement but rather a personal triumph of remaining true to oneself. By addressing Creeley as “friend,” Bly emphasizes their close connection, sharing in Creeley’s small yet significant victories of character. The phrase “an amazing / Thing” conveys Bly’s respect and almost awe for Creeley’s resilience in holding onto his values and being unapologetically himself.

The line, “You offered to take your cousin to Boston / With you, but it seemed to him absurd / To go to a town where he didn't know anybody,” highlights an episode of Creeley’s generosity and willingness to include others in his journey. However, the cousin’s refusal reveals the gap between Creeley’s open-mindedness and the limitations or fears of others. This anecdote underscores Creeley’s readiness to embrace new experiences and connect with people, contrasting with his cousin’s hesitation. The line subtly hints at Creeley’s independence, suggesting that he was unafraid of unfamiliar places or situations, while others might find such an adventure daunting.

Bly’s mention of Creeley’s father—a doctor who “once talked all night / To his patient”—introduces an inherited trait, drawing a parallel between father and son. This story suggests that Creeley’s tendency toward deep, meaningful conversation was rooted in his family background, perhaps instilling in him a sense of empathy and dedication to understanding others. The idea of “talking all night” reflects a commitment to connection and care, an ability to stay present with another person’s needs or struggles. By comparing Creeley to his father, Bly emphasizes the continuity of values like empathy, loyalty, and a devotion to authentic interaction.

The line, “Why shouldn’t we / Be stubborn? Why not raise chickens in town?” injects a sense of playful defiance, as if Bly admires Creeley’s refusal to adhere to convention. The rhetorical questions suggest that Creeley’s stubbornness was a strength, a commitment to living life on his own terms, even if it defied societal expectations. Raising chickens in town—symbolized by breeds like “Dark Brahmas” and “Rhode Island Reds”—adds a touch of rural eccentricity to Creeley’s personality, suggesting that he found meaning and satisfaction in simple, unconventional pleasures. This line celebrates the idea of embracing idiosyncrasies and finding fulfillment in what one loves, regardless of how unconventional it may seem.

The closing lines, “Holding to what one loves— / a triumph of faithfulness,” encapsulate the essence of Bly’s admiration for Creeley. By focusing on the act of “holding to what one loves,” Bly highlights Creeley’s dedication to his passions, whether they were people, places, or ideas. This steadfastness is framed as a “triumph of faithfulness,” elevating loyalty and authenticity as ultimate victories in life. For Bly, Creeley’s faithfulness to himself and his values embodies a kind of heroism, a quiet but profound victory of character.

In "Reading Robert Creeley’s Autobiography," Robert Bly offers a tribute to his friend’s unique spirit, celebrating Creeley’s independence, his commitment to truth, and his loyalty to his values. Through moments of memory and reflection, Bly paints a portrait of Creeley as a man who lived life authentically, embracing both its simplicity and its complexities. The poem suggests that true fulfillment lies not in outward achievements but in holding true to one’s passions and principles. Ultimately, Bly’s homage captures the beauty of a life lived with integrity, where the small, personal victories of character become the most meaningful accomplishments.

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