Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "To Work Is to Contradict Contradictions, to Do Violence to Natural Violence . . ." Robert Creeley delves into the theme of work, portraying it as both a fundamental and paradoxical aspect of existence. The poem’s repetitive language and sparse structure emphasize the relentlessness of work, presenting it as a ceaseless activity that defines human life. Through phrases that reflect on labor, language, and thought, Creeley suggests that work is not only a physical activity but also an essential process for understanding and engaging with the world.

The poem opens with the line, "To consummate / the inconsummate, and make of it / the unending." This phrase introduces the paradox at the heart of the poem: the desire to complete or "consummate" something that is inherently "inconsummate," or incapable of completion. The idea of making the "inconsummate" into something "unending" implies that work is an eternal endeavor, something that cannot be finished or perfected. This paradox suggests that work is a process rather than a product, a continuous effort that defines human experience without ever reaching a final conclusion. Creeley’s choice to use the term "inconsummate" underscores this notion, as it implies a state of perpetual incompletion or imperfection.

The repetition of "Work, / work, work" reinforces the idea of labor as a constant, almost oppressive force. The repetitive nature of the word mirrors the monotony and persistence of work, evoking a sense of both duty and inevitability. This refrain suggests that work is inescapable, an intrinsic part of human life that must be engaged with, regardless of one’s feelings about it. The lack of punctuation between each "work" creates a rhythm that mirrors the unbroken continuity of labor, emphasizing its unrelenting nature.

Creeley then introduces a reference to the biblical concept of the Sabbath with the lines, "Six days of the week you shall work, / on the seventh you shall think about it." This allusion suggests that even in rest, work remains present, as the "seventh" day is reserved for reflection on the previous six days of labor. This idea challenges the notion of rest as a complete reprieve from work, instead implying that even moments of pause are colored by thoughts of productivity. This blurring of boundaries between work and rest reflects the all-encompassing nature of labor in human life, suggesting that one can never truly escape from it, even in moments of repose.

The line "'Mary, pass the potatoes' becomes / division of subject & object" shifts the focus to language and the way it reflects the structure of labor. By transforming a simple command into a grammatical exercise, Creeley draws attention to the inherent relationships and power dynamics embedded in language. The phrase "division of subject & object" implies that language itself can be a form of work, a way of organizing and assigning roles within human interactions. This division mirrors the broader concept of work as something that divides, categorizes, and assigns functions, highlighting how labor permeates not only physical tasks but also the very way people communicate and relate to one another.

The next line, "Work, work, work. / Get them yourself," introduces a shift in tone, moving from an abstract reflection on work to a more direct and personal statement. The imperative "Get them yourself" can be read as a moment of rebellion or frustration, a refusal to participate in the established order of labor. This line suggests an awareness of the burdensome nature of work and hints at the desire to break free from it. However, the repetition of "work" that precedes it indicates that such a break may be impossible, as the demands of labor persist regardless of individual resistance.

In the concluding lines, Creeley presents two statements: "Thought is a process of work, / joy is an issue of work." Here, he expands the concept of work beyond physical labor to encompass mental and emotional processes. By describing thought as a "process of work," Creeley implies that even intellectual and reflective activities are forms of labor, requiring effort and engagement. This view challenges the idea that thinking is a passive or restful activity, suggesting instead that it is as demanding as any physical task.

The final phrase, "joy is an issue of work," introduces a surprising connection between labor and happiness. The use of the word "issue" implies that joy is a product or outcome of labor, suggesting that fulfillment and satisfaction are tied to the act of working. This idea subverts the traditional view of work as a burden or obligation, proposing instead that joy can be found through effort and engagement with the world. Creeley’s assertion that "joy is an issue of work" presents labor as a source of meaning and purpose, a way of creating value in one’s life.

In "To Work Is to Contradict Contradictions, to Do Violence to Natural Violence . . ." Creeley offers a meditation on the role of work in human life, exploring its paradoxes and its pervasive influence. Through repetitive language and layered meanings, he presents work as both an inescapable duty and a potential source of fulfillment. The poem suggests that while labor may be relentless and exhausting, it is also fundamental to the human experience, shaping the way people interact, think, and find joy. Creeley’s exploration of work’s complexities invites readers to consider the dual nature of labor—as both a burden and a means of connection to the world—ultimately challenging them to find purpose within the unending process of "work, work, work."

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