Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s poem "Chanson" reflects on the passage of time, the nostalgia of past experiences, and the realization of aging. Through delicate and rhythmic language, Creeley evokes a wistful, almost whimsical tone, using the structure of a "rondelay"—a type of song or short poem with a refrain—to mirror the cyclical nature of memory and time. The French word "chanson" translates to "song," and the poem unfolds like a gentle melody, highlighting both the beauty and the inevitability of growing older.

The opening line, "Oh, le petit rondelay!" introduces the poem with an exclamation that conveys a sense of delight or playfulness. The phrase "le petit rondelay" implies a small, repetitive song or tune, something lighthearted and rhythmic. The use of French adds an air of elegance and nostalgia, evoking the image of a traditional or old-fashioned song. The repetition of this refrain throughout the poem establishes a rhythmic and cyclical structure, much like the turning of time or the recurring memories that return to the speaker.

The next line, "Gently, gently," is a directive that sets the tone for the poem. It conveys a sense of carefulness, perhaps suggesting that the speaker is handling something fragile, like a memory or an emotion. The repetition of "gently" reinforces the need for tenderness, as if the speaker is reflecting on something precious and does not want to disturb it too much. This emphasis on gentleness could also reflect the speaker’s recognition of their own vulnerability, particularly in the face of aging.

"It is that I grow older" is a simple yet poignant declaration that introduces the central theme of the poem: the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The phrasing is understated, almost resigned, as if the speaker has come to accept this reality. The repetition of this line later in the poem reinforces the feeling that aging is an inescapable truth—something that, despite the lightness of the rondelay, cannot be ignored.

The line "As when for a lark gaily, one hoists up a window shut many years" introduces a nostalgic image. The phrase "for a lark gaily" suggests doing something on a whim, for the sake of amusement or curiosity. The act of "hoisting up a window shut many years" evokes the idea of opening something that has long been closed—a window that has kept out the world or the passage of time. This metaphor of reopening something after many years suggests a return to the past, perhaps revisiting old memories or rekindling a forgotten joy. The imagery conveys both a sense of adventure and the bittersweet nature of revisiting what has been long dormant.

"Does the lady';s eye grow moist-er, is it madame';s in-clination, / etc." introduces an element of ambiguity, suggesting a scene involving a lady or madame whose reaction is uncertain. The phrasing—particularly the use of "moist-er" and "in-clination"—suggests a gentle questioning of whether the emotions or inclinations of the past have changed with time. The mention of "moist-er" implies emotion, perhaps a tear or a sentimental reaction, while "inclination" could refer to the lady’s feelings or desires. The use of "etc." at the end of the line leaves the question open-ended, suggesting that there is more that could be said, but it remains unspoken, as if the speaker is content to leave some things to the imagination. This sense of ambiguity underscores the complexity of emotions that accompany memories and aging—some feelings are better left unexamined or are simply too elusive to capture fully.

The refrain, "Oh, le petit rondelay! / Gently, gently. / It is that I grow older," is repeated, creating a sense of circularity that mirrors the cyclical nature of time and memory. The repetition of these lines reinforces the theme of aging and the gentle acceptance of life’s progression. The rondelay itself becomes a metaphor for the repetitive nature of life—its joys, its regrets, and the inevitable passage of time. The structure of the poem, with its recurring refrain, reflects the recurring nature of memories and the way certain emotions and realizations come back to us as we grow older.

The tone of "Chanson" is wistful and reflective, balancing lightness with an underlying awareness of the inevitable changes that come with aging. The use of French, the rhythmic repetition, and the gentle imagery all contribute to the sense of nostalgia that permeates the poem. There is a delicate balance between playfulness and poignancy, as the speaker seems to be both celebrating the beauty of past moments and acknowledging the sadness that accompanies their fading.

Creeley';s choice of language is simple yet evocative, capturing the essence of aging in a way that feels both personal and universal. The poem';s structure, with its repetition and refrain, emphasizes the idea that life is a series of cycles—moments that repeat, memories that return, and the inescapable reality of growing older. The gentle tone suggests that while aging brings with it a sense of loss, there is also beauty in the process, in the way memories linger and continue to shape who we are.

In "Chanson," Robert Creeley reflects on the passage of time, the delicate nature of memory, and the inevitable process of aging. Through the imagery of a small, repeating song—a rondelay—the poem captures both the joy and the melancholy of revisiting the past. The refrain serves as a reminder that, even as we grow older, the moments that have shaped us remain with us, returning again and again like a familiar melody. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with aging, to embrace both the beauty and the sadness that come with the passage of time, and to do so gently, with a sense of acceptance and grace.

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