Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s poem "Be of Good Cheer" is a succinct meditation on facing the unknown, with an emphasis on maintaining composure, even when uncertainty looms. The poem employs evocative imagery and an understated tone to capture the challenge of moving forward in the face of ambiguity and fear, while subtly suggesting the comforting notion that others have faced similar challenges before.

The opening line, "Go down obscurely," sets the tone for the poem with a sense of descent into something unknown or unrecognized. The word "obscurely" suggests a lack of clarity—perhaps a situation that is vague, confusing, or even unseen. The idea of "going down" can imply a descent into a deeper state, whether physical, emotional, or existential, as if the speaker is urging the reader to accept the uncertainty of what lies ahead. This line evokes a willingness to embrace obscurity or ambiguity without necessarily needing to fully understand it.

"Seem to falter / as if walking into water / slowly" introduces a powerful simile that adds both a visual and sensory quality to the experience being described. The image of "walking into water" conveys a sense of gradual immersion, where each step is met with resistance, and movement becomes slower and more deliberate. It evokes the feeling of stepping into something that changes one’s pace, making each action feel uncertain. The water acts as both a physical barrier and a metaphorical one, representing the difficulty of navigating unfamiliar or overwhelming situations. The phrase "seem to falter" suggests that even if one feels unsure or hesitant, the key is to move forward despite that feeling.

The line "Be of good cheer / and go as if indifferent, / even if not" speaks to the attitude one should adopt in the face of challenges. "Be of good cheer" is a phrase that implies optimism and resilience, encouraging a positive mindset despite the difficulties ahead. The directive to "go as if indifferent" suggests a kind of stoicism or detachment, implying that it is sometimes necessary to adopt a demeanor of indifference to push through challenging situations, even if internally one does not feel that way. This line captures the tension between outward composure and inner turmoil, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a semblance of calm in the face of adversity.

"There are those before you / they have told you" concludes the poem by offering a sense of continuity and shared experience. The mention of "those before you" implies that the journey the speaker describes is not unique—others have faced similar challenges, and their experiences serve as a guide or reassurance. This line suggests a collective wisdom passed down through time, as if the speaker is drawing on the voices and experiences of those who have gone before to provide comfort. The use of "they have told you" implies that the speaker, and perhaps the reader, has been given guidance or advice from these predecessors, adding a sense of connection and continuity across generations.

"Be of Good Cheer" ultimately conveys a message of resilience and acceptance in the face of uncertainty. The imagery of descending "obscurely" and "walking into water" captures the experience of facing the unknown with a mix of hesitation and determination. The poem suggests that while one may falter or feel unsure, it is important to maintain a sense of calm, even if that calm is only a façade. By urging the reader to "be of good cheer" and to go forward "as if indifferent," Creeley encourages a balance between embracing vulnerability and projecting strength.

The poem’s final lines offer a comforting reminder that the journey into the unknown is not a solitary one. Others have faced similar challenges and have left behind their wisdom, allowing those who come after to find strength in their experiences. "Be of Good Cheer" is thus both a personal meditation on the difficulties of navigating life and a universal message about the resilience of the human spirit, emphasizing the value of courage, composure, and the knowledge that we are not alone in our struggles.

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