Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley';s poem "By the Rude Bridge..." evokes a historical moment and contemplates the passage of time, as well as the relationship between the present and the past. Creeley draws inspiration from historical events, specifically alluding to the early battles of the American Revolution, while using his characteristic minimalist style to paint an evocative scene of the summer heat and the relentless passage of days. The poem captures the juxtaposition between the dramatic historical narrative and the quiet, almost indifferent landscape that remains.

The poem opens with "Crazy wheel of days in the heat," introducing the imagery of a cycle that seems to be spinning endlessly. The "wheel of days" suggests the repetitive nature of time, evoking a sense of continuous movement, while "crazy" adds a layer of unpredictability or intensity. The heat contributes to the feeling of discomfort and exhaustion, as if the ongoing revolution of time is relentless, especially in the oppressive summer heat. This opening line establishes a sense of both inevitability and chaos—a cycle that cannot be stopped, fueled by the natural rhythms of the season.

"The revolution spaced to summer’s insistence" links the cyclical nature of time to a historical context, specifically the American Revolution. The word "revolution" is a deliberate double entendre, referring both to the literal cycle of days and to the historical events that took place during the American Revolution. The phrase "spaced to summer’s insistence" suggests that the revolution was dictated by the rhythm of the seasons, emphasizing the natural force that drove those early battles. This connection between the natural world and human conflict highlights how human events are often shaped by larger, uncontrollable forces.

The imagery shifts to "That sweat, the dust, / time earlier they must have walked, run, all the way / from Lexington to Concord," evoking the physicality and effort of the soldiers during the early battles of the American Revolution. The mention of "sweat" and "dust" emphasizes the labor, discomfort, and exhaustion experienced by those who took part in the march. This detail brings the reader closer to the human aspect of the historical event, imagining the bodily exertion and perseverance required to undertake such a journey. The soldiers "walked, run, all the way" highlights their determination and the urgency of their mission. By referencing "Lexington to Concord," Creeley situates the poem within a specific historical context, evoking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War, with all its significance and weight.

The line "By the rude bridge that arched the flood . . ." is a direct reference to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem "Concord Hymn," which commemorates the battle at the Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. Emerson’s original line—“By the rude bridge that arched the flood”—celebrates the spirit of the revolutionaries who stood against British forces. Creeley’s use of this line serves as an echo of that historical moment, linking his own reflection to the larger American literary and cultural tradition. However, by ending the quotation with ellipses, Creeley leaves the reference incomplete, as if acknowledging that the legacy of the past cannot be fully captured or contained.

The poem then transitions to a more tranquil scene: "By that enfolding small river / wanders along by grasses’ marge, by thoughtless stones." The "enfolding small river" contrasts with the earlier imagery of sweat, dust, and revolution, suggesting a gentler, more timeless aspect of the landscape. The river "wanders along," implying a natural, unhurried movement, indifferent to the historical significance of the place. The mention of "grasses’ marge" and "thoughtless stones" emphasizes the quiet, indifferent quality of nature, which continues its existence regardless of human history. The "thoughtless stones" serve as a reminder that nature does not hold memories of the past in the same way that humans do—it remains untouched by the emotions and narratives we impose upon it.

The structure of the poem is free-form, with enjambed lines that create a sense of fluidity and continuity. This structure mirrors the wandering movement of the river and the passage of time, suggesting that history and nature are interconnected, yet move at their own paces. The lack of punctuation allows the images to flow into one another, emphasizing the continuity between the historical past and the present moment of contemplation. Creeley’s language is direct and unadorned, yet rich in imagery, allowing the reader to engage with both the physical and emotional layers of the poem.

"By the Rude Bridge..." ultimately reflects on the tension between the historical significance of a place and the indifferent natural world that endures beyond human events. The juxtaposition of the "crazy wheel of days" and the "small river" highlights the contrast between the chaotic energy of human history and the calm, steady flow of nature. By referencing the American Revolution, Creeley evokes a sense of collective memory and the weight of the past, while also acknowledging that the natural landscape remains largely unaffected by these events.

Through this poem, Creeley suggests that while human actions and historical moments carry profound significance for those involved, nature continues its course, unaffected and "thoughtless." The river, grasses, and stones serve as a reminder of the continuity of the natural world, in contrast to the fleeting nature of human endeavors. In this way, "By the Rude Bridge..." becomes a meditation on time, memory, and the way in which history is both remembered and forgotten—echoed in the landscape, but ultimately subsumed by the larger, indifferent rhythms of nature.

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