Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Rites," Robert Creeley examines themes of routine, care, and the underlying complexities of human behavior. The poem’s fragmented language and elliptical phrasing suggest a meditation on societal norms and individual consciousness, touching on the rituals and unspoken codes that govern our actions. Creeley’s observations span from the natural world to the constructed environment of human relationships, all the while exploring the boundaries between individuality and societal expectations.

The poem opens with a detached observation of nature, “(Hogpen, deciduous growth, etc. / making neither much dent / nor any feeling: the trees completely / or incompletely / attached to ground).” This image suggests a disconnection from the natural world, as though the trees and growths of nature barely impact the speaker. The mention of “deciduous growth” implies cycles of change and decay, yet the description that they make “neither much dent / nor any feeling” hints at an indifference or alienation from nature’s rhythms. By describing the trees as “completely / or incompletely / attached to ground,” Creeley might be questioning the rootedness or stability of both nature and the human experience within it, suggesting that even natural things may not be entirely grounded.

The following lines shift to a setting of conversation, possibly among people “sounds of an anterior / conversation / and what are they talking / about.” The “anterior conversation” implies an ongoing dialogue that is somewhat removed or detached, as though it exists on a different level of awareness from the speaker. The phrase “and what are they talking / about” conveys a sense of disinterest or bemusement, as if the speaker is observing these social rituals from a distance, detached from their importance or meaning. This question hints at the monotony or triviality of social exchanges, suggesting that while people may go through the motions of communication, the substance or purpose of these interactions remains elusive.

“Cares mount. My own / certainly / as much as anyone else’s” introduces a moment of personal reflection. Here, the speaker acknowledges their own concerns or worries, implying that they are as significant or trivial as those of others. The phrase “Cares mount” suggests a gradual accumulation of anxieties or responsibilities, as if they steadily build over time. By saying “My own / certainly / as much as anyone else’s,” Creeley captures a sense of shared burden, hinting at the universal nature of stress and personal concerns. This line conveys a feeling of solidarity, yet also of resignation, as though everyone is caught in the same cycle of mounting cares, bound by shared, unspoken burdens.

The lines “Between / each and every row of seats / put a table / and put on that / an ashtray” evoke an image of a structured, perhaps sterile environment, like a waiting room or institutional setting. The act of placing tables and ashtrays between seats suggests an enforced order or ritual, where the placement of objects has become a part of daily routine. This image of careful arrangement hints at the small rites that make up everyday life, the familiar habits that define spaces and behaviors. The ashtray, a symbol of idleness or habit, further reinforces the idea of routine, as though these small, almost meaningless rituals are the markers of human presence and activity within a constructed world.

The aside, “(Who don’t know what I know / in what proportion, is either off, too much / or on,” reflects a sense of isolation or frustration. The speaker suggests that their understanding or knowledge is unique, implying that others may misinterpret or fail to grasp what they perceive as significant. The line “is either off, too much / or on” suggests an imbalance, as though others are either overly engaged or disengaged from understanding the speaker’s perspective. This passage conveys a sense of alienation, as if the speaker’s awareness separates them from others, leaving them in a space where their insights go unshared or unappreciated.

“Look it up, check / or if that’s too much, say, too time-consuming or whatever / other / neat adjective to attach to any / distraction / (for doing nothing at all” captures a satirical tone, as if mocking the triviality of certain societal actions or phrases. The instruction to “look it up, check” conveys a sense of urgency or insistence on verification, yet the follow-up, “too time-consuming or whatever,” reduces this importance, revealing it as just another hollow task. The “neat adjective to attach to any / distraction” suggests that much of what people occupy themselves with is merely a distraction, a way of avoiding deeper engagement or meaning. This line critiques the superficial busyness that often substitutes for meaningful action.

The phrase “The rites are care, the natures / less simple” reflects a central theme: that care itself is a form of ritual, while “natures” or human tendencies are complex and multifaceted. “The rites are care” suggests that caring for others or engaging in social rituals is itself a structured, perhaps even sacred, act. Yet, by saying “the natures / less simple,” Creeley acknowledges the difficulty of navigating these rituals, as human beings are complicated, unpredictable, and often resistant to categorization.

The closing lines, “Ultimate: no man shall go unattended. / No man shall be an idiot for purely exterior reasons,” evoke a universal sentiment. The statement “no man shall go unattended” implies a commitment to acknowledging the presence and worth of every individual, while “No man shall be an idiot for purely exterior reasons” suggests that true understanding comes from within, not from superficial judgments or appearances. This line reflects an underlying idealism, a belief in the intrinsic value and dignity of each person, even if societal norms or appearances obscure it.

In "The Rites," Robert Creeley meditates on the structures and rituals that define human behavior, exploring both the trivialities and deeper commitments that shape our lives. Through fragmented observations and a mix of personal and societal reflections, the poem captures a sense of weariness with superficial routines, while also affirming the importance of genuine care and attention. Ultimately, "The Rites" suggests that while much of life may be defined by routine and distraction, the true “rites” of existence lie in the act of caring for others and recognizing the complexity of human nature, striving for a world where no one is left “unattended” or dismissed.

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