Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Person," Robert Creeley explores themes of identity, perception, and the strangeness of self-awareness. The poem’s casual, almost conversational tone belies a deeper investigation into what it means to be human and how we perceive ourselves and others. Through sparse, unembellished language and fragmented syntax, Creeley examines the fluid boundaries between self and other, capturing the peculiarity of being both an observer and a participant in one’s own existence. The poem’s simplicity underscores its complex questions about individuality, recognition, and language.

The opening phrase, “Gee, I know a lovely girl, woman she calls herself—” introduces a note of surprise or admiration. The casual “Gee” reflects a tone of wonder or even bemusement, suggesting that the speaker is taken by the subject’s presence or beauty. The shift from “girl” to “woman” highlights the speaker’s awareness of the complexities of identity; although the speaker perceives her as a “girl,” she identifies as a “woman,” which may imply maturity or self-awareness. This line captures the subtle nuances of identity labels, showing how language can both define and limit one’s perception of others. The phrase “woman she calls herself” suggests that identity is a choice or claim, a role that one adopts rather than an inherent trait. This emphasis on self-identification hints at the fluidity of identity, where labels carry both personal and social weight.

“Did you ever see a / human being plain, the body so inclined?” shifts the focus from the individual to the general, prompting the reader to consider the idea of seeing a human “plain” or in their raw, unadorned form. By asking, “Did you ever see,” the speaker invites the reader into a moment of contemplation, as though the concept of simply “seeing” a person is rare or difficult. The description of the “body so inclined” suggests a natural or vulnerable posture, evoking a sense of openness or even humility. This phrase captures the inherent beauty and strangeness of humanity, as if to see a person plainly—without societal filters or expectations—is both profound and uncommon. The line implies that people often obscure or alter their true nature, consciously or unconsciously, and that to see someone in a state of pure being is an unusual experience.

The line “Let me introduce to / myself myself” marks a sudden shift inward, where the speaker turns from observing others to confronting their own identity. This self-introduction is awkwardly phrased, as though the speaker is both the introducer and the introduced, capturing the strange duality of self-awareness. The repetition of “myself” underscores the recursive nature of self-perception, hinting at the idea that knowing oneself is not straightforward. This line reflects the paradox of self-recognition, where one is both the subject and the object of understanding, suggesting that identity is something one continually encounters rather than fully grasps. By framing this moment as an introduction, Creeley hints at the strangeness and complexity of self-knowledge, where understanding oneself requires both familiarity and distance.

“I am one of the race” extends this inward reflection to a broader, universal level, situating the speaker within the context of humanity as a whole. By stating this simple truth, the speaker acknowledges their shared connection with others, identifying as a part of something larger than the individual self. The term “the race” implies a commonality among all people, a reminder that despite individual distinctions, there is a fundamental bond that connects everyone as human beings. This line emphasizes the speaker’s awareness of both personal identity and collective identity, capturing the duality of being a unique individual and yet fundamentally similar to others.

The concluding line, “I speak an English,” introduces an element of humor and playfulness, as well as a reflection on language and communication. The phrasing—“an English”—creates an odd grammatical structure that might suggest a limited, almost childlike understanding of the language, or it could be an ironic self-commentary on the limitations of words. By phrasing it this way, Creeley draws attention to the constructed nature of language and identity. English, as a language, represents a means of expression, but also a cultural identity, and the speaker’s phrasing suggests that this identity is adopted or external rather than fully natural. This closing line reflects the theme of language as a medium through which people attempt to define themselves and connect with others, while also acknowledging the inherent limitations of words to fully capture the nuances of identity and experience.

Structurally, "Person" is brief and fragmented, with each line presenting a distinct observation or thought. Creeley’s minimalistic language and enjambed lines create a sense of fluidity, mirroring the evolving process of self-recognition and perception. The poem’s form underscores its themes of fragmented identity and the fluid nature of understanding oneself and others, as each line contributes to a composite but incomplete picture.

In "Person," Robert Creeley uses casual language and simple imagery to delve into the complexities of self-perception, individuality, and the strange experience of being both observer and participant in one’s own life. The poem explores the fluidity of labels like “girl” and “woman,” the difficulty of truly “seeing” another person, and the recursive nature of self-introduction. By blending humor with introspection, Creeley captures the paradoxical nature of human identity, where people are at once unique and universal, self-defined and yet shaped by language and society. Ultimately, "Person" presents a contemplative view of identity as an ongoing interaction between the self and the world, where understanding is always evolving and language both reveals and obscures the truths of existence.

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