Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s "Like They Say" is a short yet deeply reflective poem that captures a moment of quiet observation in nature, leading to a subtle meditation on presence, disturbance, and the human relationship with the natural world. Through simple, direct language, Creeley explores how even the most peaceful encounters in nature can evoke questions about belonging, intrusion, and the inevitability of disrupting what we observe. The poem’s brevity and sparse language allow the reader to focus on the delicate interaction between the speaker, the natural environment, and the woodpeckers whose peace is disrupted by the speaker’s presence.

The poem begins with a peaceful image: "Underneath the tree on some / soft grass I sat." This opening line evokes a scene of tranquility, with the speaker seated comfortably in nature, enjoying the softness of the grass and the shelter of the tree. The simplicity of the description creates a sense of ease and relaxation, as if the speaker is fully immersed in the quiet beauty of the moment. The act of sitting under the tree is an image of communion with nature, a common human experience of seeking peace and solace in the outdoors.

The next lines introduce the presence of "two happy / woodpeckers," whose happiness is linked to their undisturbed existence. The woodpeckers, in their natural state, seem joyful and content, until they are "dis- / turbed by my presence." This moment introduces a shift in the poem’s tone, as the speaker acknowledges that their presence in this peaceful scene has caused a disruption. The fragmentation of the word "disturbed" across two lines highlights the suddenness of this disturbance, mirroring how the woodpeckers’ happiness is interrupted by the speaker’s arrival. The use of the word "happy" to describe the woodpeckers before this disruption emphasizes the contrast between their natural state and the effect of the speaker’s intrusion.

The final lines of the poem, "And / why not, I thought to myself, why / not," reflect the speaker’s internal reaction to the disturbance they have caused. This rhetorical question suggests a mix of resignation and acceptance. The speaker seems to acknowledge that it is natural for their presence to disturb the woodpeckers—after all, humans are part of the natural world too, and their presence often disrupts the balance of other living creatures. The repetition of "why not" conveys a sense of inevitability, as if the speaker is contemplating the inherent tension between observing nature and becoming a part of it.

At the same time, the speaker’s "why not" could also imply a deeper philosophical reflection. Perhaps the speaker is questioning why they, like all creatures, cannot exist in harmony with nature without causing disruption. The phrase carries a tone of both acceptance and contemplation, as if the speaker is coming to terms with the fact that human presence, even in its most passive form, often has unintended consequences.

Structurally, "Like They Say" follows Creeley’s characteristic use of short lines and enjambment, which creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The poem’s language is simple and unadorned, allowing the emotional and philosophical weight of the speaker’s thoughts to emerge subtly. The enjambment between lines also mirrors the flow of the speaker’s observations and reflections, as each thought unfolds gradually, allowing the reader to experience the moment of disturbance and contemplation alongside the speaker.

Thematically, the poem touches on ideas of disturbance, presence, and the human relationship with the natural world. The speaker’s peaceful moment in nature is interrupted by the recognition that their very presence has caused disruption, suggesting that humans, even when they seek connection with nature, often find themselves at odds with it. This theme resonates with broader questions about the impact of human activity on the environment, as well as the more personal, existential tension between being part of the world and feeling disconnected from it.

In conclusion, Robert Creeley’s "Like They Say" is a brief but profound meditation on the delicate balance between presence and disruption, observation and participation in the natural world. Through simple language and a moment of quiet reflection, the poem explores the inevitable tension that arises when humans interact with nature, acknowledging both the beauty of the scene and the subtle disruption that accompanies the speaker’s presence. The speaker’s rhetorical question, "why not," leaves the reader with a sense of philosophical contemplation, inviting them to consider the complexities of being in the world and the unintended consequences of simply being there.

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