Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley';s poem "Don';t Sign Anything" is a brief and enigmatic piece that juxtaposes a seemingly simple anecdote with a philosophical proverb. Through minimal language and an understated tone, Creeley explores themes of control, passivity, and the consequences of one';s actions. The title itself suggests caution, a reluctance to commit to something that may have unforeseen consequences. The poem';s narrative structure, involving a horse, cows, and a proverb, creates a metaphorical space in which these themes are explored.

The poem begins with "Riding the horse as was my wont," establishing a sense of familiarity and routine. The phrase "as was my wont" suggests that riding the horse is something the speaker often does, indicating a sense of comfort and habit. This opening line creates an image of the speaker engaging in an activity that is second nature to them—something predictable and routine, yet the events that follow disrupt this sense of ease.

"There was a bunch of cows in a field. / The horse / chased / them." The simplicity of these lines evokes a scene in which the natural behavior of animals is on display. The horse, upon seeing the cows, instinctively chases them, as if following an impulse that cannot be resisted. The line breaks here create a sense of abruptness and immediacy, mirroring the suddenness of the horse';s actions. The speaker, in this moment, seems to be caught off guard, observing the horse';s instinctive behavior without having anticipated it.

"I likewise, an uneasy / accompanist" conveys the speaker';s reaction to the horse';s actions. The word "likewise" suggests that the speaker, too, is drawn into the chase, albeit reluctantly. The term "uneasy accompanist" highlights the speaker';s discomfort with their role in this situation. They are not in control but are instead being pulled along by the horse';s actions, merely accompanying rather than leading. This lack of agency emphasizes the idea that the speaker is caught up in something beyond their control—an unwilling participant in an unfolding scene.

The shift in the poem comes with the introduction of the Chinese proverb: "To wit, the Chinese proverb goes: / if you lie in a field / and fall asleep, / you will be found in a field / asleep." This proverb is deceptively simple, reflecting a fundamental truth about passivity and consequence. The repetition of "in a field" and "asleep" underscores the inevitability of cause and effect—what you do, or fail to do, determines your state. There is no transformation, no unexpected outcome; you remain as you were. The proverb serves as a commentary on the speaker';s experience with the horse and the cows: they are merely following along, allowing events to unfold without exerting their own will, and as a result, they remain in the same state, unchanged and passive.

The title, "Don';t Sign Anything," adds an additional layer of meaning to the poem. It suggests caution, a reluctance to make commitments or take actions that might lead to unintended consequences. In the context of the poem, this warning may reflect the speaker';s hesitation to engage fully in the situation with the horse and the cows. By not signing—by not committing—the speaker maintains a distance, an unease about becoming too deeply involved in the unfolding events.

The structure of the poem is minimalist, with short lines and straightforward language that create a sense of simplicity. However, beneath this simplicity lies a deeper reflection on the nature of action, passivity, and the consequences of one';s choices. The juxtaposition of the anecdote with the proverb invites readers to consider the implications of allowing oneself to be carried along by external forces without exercising personal agency. The poem suggests that such passivity can lead to a kind of stagnation, where one remains unchanged, merely "asleep in a field."

"Don';t Sign Anything" ultimately explores the themes of control, habit, and the consequences of inaction. Through a simple narrative involving a horse, cows, and a Chinese proverb, Robert Creeley captures the tension between instinctive behavior and conscious decision-making. The poem invites readers to reflect on the importance of agency, the dangers of passivity, and the need to be cautious about what we commit to—lest we find ourselves merely following along, like an uneasy accompanist, without truly engaging in our own lives.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...