Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s poem "Roman Sketchbook: As With" presents a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of endings. The poem, in its simplicity and directness, encapsulates the movement toward closure, whether in a social, temporal, or existential sense. Through the quiet, understated imagery of a gathering drawing to a close, Creeley contemplates the parallel journey of the mind, from presence to anticipation of its ultimate conclusion.

The poem opens with the phrase "As with all such / the prospect of ending / gathers now," which introduces the inevitability of an ending. The phrase "as with all such" implies a universality—suggesting that every experience, every event, must eventually reach a conclusion. The term "the prospect of ending" brings to the forefront the sense of expectation; it is not the ending itself but the awareness of its approach that "gathers now." This awareness of endings adds a contemplative, almost somber tone to the poem, as if the realization of impermanence is quietly settling in.

The next line, "friends take / leave and the afternoon / moves toward the end / of the day," evokes an image of people parting ways and the day gradually fading into evening. The setting of "the afternoon" suggests a liminal space, a time that is neither the beginning nor the finality of the day but somewhere in between. There is a sense of calm inevitability in this progression, as friends "take leave" and the afternoon naturally "moves toward the end." Creeley’s language captures the beauty of this subtle transition, emphasizing the cyclical nature of time and how endings are an intrinsic part of life.

"So too mind / moves forward to its place / in time" draws a parallel between the external world and the internal experience of the speaker. Just as the afternoon moves toward its conclusion, the mind also "moves forward" toward its place in time. This movement suggests an acceptance of the inevitable passage of time, a recognition that the mind, like everything else, is subject to the same temporal flow. The phrase "its place in time" implies a predetermined or natural endpoint, a destination that cannot be avoided.

The final lines, "and now, one / says, and now—" bring the poem to a poignant, open-ended conclusion. The repetition of "and now" reflects a sense of immediacy, as if the speaker is grounding themselves in the present moment even as they are aware of what is to come. The dash at the end of the poem leaves the thought unfinished, suggesting that the process is ongoing, that time continues to unfold even as endings loom on the horizon. The openness of this ending implies that the present moment, while fleeting, is filled with significance, and that each "now" is part of a continuum that leads, inevitably, to an end.

"Roman Sketchbook: As With" is a reflection on the nature of endings and the passage of time. Creeley’s use of simple, direct language allows the reader to engage with the poem on a deeply personal level, recognizing the universal experience of things coming to a close—whether it is a day, a gathering, or even a life. The parallel between the external world of friends taking leave and the internal movement of the mind creates a sense of unity between the physical and the emotional realms, emphasizing that all aspects of existence are interconnected in their journey toward closure.

The poem captures the quiet, contemplative beauty of endings. There is no grand declaration or dramatic moment; instead, Creeley focuses on the gentle inevitability of time’s passage. The imagery of friends parting and the afternoon fading into evening evokes a sense of peace, a recognition that endings are a natural part of the rhythm of life. The repetition of "and now" underscores the importance of being present, even in the face of the inevitable, and the open-ended nature of the final line leaves room for reflection—reminding us that while endings are certain, the moments leading up to them are where meaning is truly found.

Ultimately, "Roman Sketchbook: As With" speaks to the acceptance of time and the inevitability of change, encouraging the reader to embrace the present while acknowledging the gentle, unceasing approach of endings. Creeley’s minimalist style and careful attention to the passage of time create a powerful meditation on the beauty of transient moments, inviting us to consider the quiet grace of life’s natural cycles.

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