Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Out of Sight" by Robert Creeley delves into the complex interplay between external appearances and internal experiences, utilizing vivid imagery to explore themes of hope, disillusionment, and the quest for patience in the face of life's uncertainties. Through the lens of a singular character—a figure with "the face of a clown"—Creeley encapsulates the human tendency to oscillate between the hope for simplicity in life and the reality of its complexities.

The poem opens with the character's perpetual optimism, "He thinks always things will be simpler," a sentiment that resonates with the universal human desire for a life free of complication and distress. This opening line sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the disparity between this hopeful outlook and the character's actual experiences.

The imagery of "the face of a clown" serves as a poignant metaphor for the masks that individuals wear, consciously or unconsciously, to navigate the world around them. The clown's face, typically associated with joy and entertainment, here takes on a more nuanced significance, suggesting the facade that the character maintains in an attempt to cope with or conceal his inner turmoil.

Creeley's depiction of the mouth and eye movements—"so that the mouth rolls down, then the eye shuts as a fist"—conveys a profound sense of weariness and resignation. The downturned mouth symbolizes sadness or disappointment, a visual representation of the character's emotional state. The closing of the eye "as a fist" evokes a sense of determination or perhaps an effort to contain or control one's emotions, underscoring the theme of patience amidst adversity.

The repetition of the word "patience" emphasizes the character's struggle to maintain composure and endurance in the face of life's challenges. This repetition serves as a mantra or a plea, highlighting patience as a virtue that is both sought after and difficult to achieve.

The phrase "in the locked mind" suggests a state of introspection or confinement within one's own thoughts and perceptions. It implies that the character's outlook and coping mechanisms are deeply ingrained, perhaps to the point of being inescapable. This internal lock hints at the complexities and contradictions that reside within the human psyche, where hope and despair, outward appearances and inner realities, coexist and conflict.

"Out of Sight" is a succinct yet powerful meditation on the human condition, capturing the tension between the desire for a simpler life and the recognition of life's inherent complexities. Through the symbolic figure of the clown, Creeley explores the emotional and psychological landscapes that individuals navigate, highlighting the themes of hope, resilience, and the ongoing quest for patience in an unpredictable world. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own facades and the internal struggles that they conceal, providing a resonant and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of human existence.

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