Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley';s poem "East Street Again" reflects on the relationship between nature and human constructs, the inevitability of mortality, and the fleeting nature of thoughts and existence. Through a seemingly simple comparison between a tree and a telephone pole, Creeley delves into questions of meaning, purpose, and the nature of life and death. The poem employs a straightforward tone, yet beneath this simplicity lies a profound meditation on the passage of time and the limitations of human understanding.

The opening line, "The tree stands clear in the weather / by the telephone pole, its stiff brother," sets up a direct comparison between a natural element—the tree—and a man-made object—the telephone pole. By referring to the pole as the tree';s "stiff brother," Creeley anthropomorphizes both objects, suggesting a familial relationship while emphasizing their differences. The tree is "clear in the weather," a phrase that implies a sense of presence and vitality, whereas the telephone pole is "stiff," suggesting rigidity and lifelessness. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between the natural and the artificial, and the way both coexist in the human environment.

"Hard to think which is the better, / given living is what we’re here for / and that one’s soon dead no matter." These lines introduce an existential reflection on the value of life. The speaker considers whether the tree or the telephone pole is "better," but ultimately finds this comparison difficult, as both are subject to the passage of time. The tree, as a living thing, embodies growth and change, while the pole represents the permanence and utility of human creations. Yet, the phrase "one’s soon dead no matter" reminds us that both, whether natural or artificial, are transient. This acknowledgment of mortality emphasizes the inevitability of death, regardless of whether something is alive or inanimate.

"Neither people nor trees live forever. / But it’s a dumb thought, lacking other." This straightforward observation underscores the universality of impermanence. The speaker dismisses this thought as "dumb," perhaps because it is obvious or because it offers no deeper insight. There is a sense of frustration here, as if the speaker is searching for a more meaningful understanding but finds only the inevitability of death. The phrase "lacking other" suggests an absence of alternative perspectives or more profound realizations, highlighting the limitations of human thought when confronting the nature of existence.

"Only this passing faint snow now for tether— / mind’s deadness, emptiness for pleasure— / if such a flat, faint echo can be measure." The image of "passing faint snow" evokes a sense of transience and fragility, serving as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and thought. The snow is described as a "tether," suggesting that it is the only thing connecting the speaker to the present moment, yet it is insubstantial and temporary. The phrase "mind’s deadness, emptiness for pleasure" conveys a sense of emotional numbness or disconnection, as if the speaker is struggling to find meaning or satisfaction in their thoughts. The idea that this "flat, faint echo" might be a "measure" reflects the difficulty of finding significance in a world that often seems empty or devoid of deeper meaning.

"So much is forgotten no matter. / You do what you can do, no better." These closing lines convey a sense of resignation. The acknowledgment that "so much is forgotten" underscores the impermanence not only of life but also of memory and human achievements. The statement "You do what you can do, no better" reflects a pragmatic acceptance of one';s limitations. It suggests that, in the face of mortality and the passage of time, all one can do is make an effort, even if that effort is ultimately insufficient. There is a tone of humility here, a recognition that human endeavors are inherently constrained by the limitations of life and the inevitability of forgetting.

The structure of the poem is compact, with short, enjambed lines that create a sense of fluidity and movement, mirroring the passing nature of time and thought. The rhyme and rhythm are subtle and irregular, contributing to the conversational tone of the poem while also emphasizing the disjointed nature of the speaker';s reflections. The language is simple yet evocative, allowing the reader to engage with the imagery while also reflecting on the deeper existential themes.

"East Street Again" is a meditation on the passage of time, the value of life, and the inevitability of death. Through the juxtaposition of a tree and a telephone pole, Robert Creeley explores the tension between the natural and the artificial, the living and the lifeless. The poem acknowledges the limitations of human understanding and the fleeting nature of existence, ultimately accepting the inevitability of forgetting and the constraints of human effort. In "East Street Again," Creeley invites readers to reflect on the simplicity and complexity of life, urging them to find meaning in the moment, even when faced with the stark realities of mortality and impermanence.

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