Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Senator Blank Blank," Robert Creeley delivers a sharp critique of a political figure, capturing both frustration and disbelief at the perceived insincerity and emptiness of political rhetoric. Through sparse, blunt language, the poem conveys Creeley’s disdain for a public official whom he finds untrustworthy, yet acknowledges the unsettling reality that others accept, or even believe, this figure’s words. The poem’s directness, its lack of ornamentation, reflects Creeley’s skepticism and disappointment, presenting a personal confrontation with the disillusionment that political leaders can evoke.

The phrase “bland, piglike face” immediately establishes a sense of revulsion and dissatisfaction with the senator’s appearance and demeanor. The choice of “bland” suggests a lack of individuality or depth, as if this person has no distinguishing qualities that might inspire confidence or respect. Describing the face as “piglike” introduces an animalistic element, implying greed, self-interest, or a lack of refinement, traits often associated with negative stereotypes of politicians. This characterization sets a disparaging tone, suggesting that the speaker views the senator as morally or intellectually unworthy, more a caricature of power than a responsible leader.

When Creeley writes “thin-lipped, / rhetorical bullshit,” he critiques not just the senator’s words but the insincerity and emptiness behind them. The “thin-lipped” description evokes an image of tightness or withholding, as though the senator’s words are carefully measured and lacking genuine expression. “Rhetorical bullshit” underscores the speaker’s disdain for the senator’s language, indicating that it is all surface-level, lacking any real substance or truth. This critique goes beyond mere frustration with the politician’s speech, highlighting a deeper disillusionment with the kind of empty, manipulative language often associated with political discourse. The use of “bullshit” is pointedly dismissive, signaling the speaker’s refusal to engage with or respect the rhetoric as anything meaningful.

The line “and wonder if anyone / can or will believe you” captures the speaker’s incredulity at the idea that others might take the senator’s words at face value. The phrasing suggests a sense of doubt, as if the speaker finds it almost inconceivable that anyone could be persuaded by such a hollow presentation. This line reflects a desire for accountability, a hope that the public would see through the facade and reject the senator’s insincere language. Yet, the speaker’s doubt hints at a lack of faith in the public’s ability to recognize or resist political manipulation, adding a layer of pessimism to the critique.

In the next line, “and know they do,” the speaker’s worst suspicions are confirmed: people do believe the senator, despite the apparent shallowness of his words. This moment introduces a sense of resignation, as if the speaker is painfully aware of the disconnection between his own perspective and that of the general public. The phrase “know they do” suggests a grim acknowledgment of reality, emphasizing the power that politicians can hold over the public despite their lack of authenticity. This realization reinforces the poem’s critique, not just of the senator but of the broader system that allows such figures to thrive and be believed.

The closing line, “just that I’m listening to you too,” adds a self-reflective twist, as the speaker admits that, despite his skepticism, he too is giving the senator’s words attention. This admission carries a sense of frustration and irony, acknowledging the inescapable influence of political rhetoric, even on those who see through it. The phrase “just that I’m listening” suggests a sense of reluctance or resignation, as if the speaker would prefer not to be subjected to this rhetoric but finds it unavoidable. This line captures the pervasive nature of political discourse, which infiltrates public consciousness regardless of individual beliefs or preferences.

In "Senator Blank Blank," Robert Creeley critiques the superficiality and manipulation often present in political rhetoric, highlighting the gap between the speaker’s disdain and the public’s apparent acceptance. The poem’s brevity and bluntness reflect the speaker’s frustration and disillusionment, offering a direct, unembellished view of his perspective. Through its sparse language, the poem conveys a sense of anger and resignation, suggesting that the speaker feels trapped within a system that allows insincere figures to gain influence and be believed. Ultimately, "Senator Blank Blank" captures Creeley’s skepticism about the integrity of political language and his dismay at the public’s vulnerability to hollow words, underscoring a broader critique of power and the ways in which it manipulates belief.

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