Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Robert Creeley’s poem "The Cantos," there’s an exploration of language, communication, and the elusive nature of understanding across cultures and generations. The opening line, "To make peace (borso / with the others,—or not too / quickly, give in to the companionable / ecstasy," suggests a tension between integration and individuality, between finding harmony with others and the resistance that such harmony might require. "Borso" could be an intentional play with sound or a nonsensical term, highlighting how language itself can be simultaneously unifying and isolating.

The poem transitions into a narrative about a child who has learned to speak French, an achievement the speaker reflects upon with pride yet acknowledges as fleeting. "A triumph. But dwindles quickly." Here, Creeley points to the ephemeral nature of accomplishments, especially those that may seem monumental in the moment but fade in significance over time. The achievement of language, in this case, becomes symbolic of the broader human experience: moments of progress are quickly diminished or recontextualized.

The “provincial lady” in the poem represents a figure whose limited worldview or narrow-mindedness seems to frustrate the speaker. This critique is subtle but pointed; the speaker suggests that her dullness might stem from fear or prejudice. By highlighting this "provincial" character, Creeley may be critiquing the way people often measure others' worth or judge them based on superficial accomplishments or standards, like language fluency, which holds different meanings in different contexts.

Creeley concludes with a notion of non-adjustment: "Not to think of it, we make / no makeshift adjustments / to the inadequacy / of anyone." There’s a sense of resignation here, an acceptance that people’s shortcomings—whether in understanding, empathy, or open-mindedness—are immutable. Rather than attempting to reconcile these inadequacies or lower one’s standards, the speaker implies that he’d rather disengage from judgment altogether. This resigned detachment suggests a personal philosophy, possibly one of tolerance or acceptance, that recognizes the futility in trying to "fix" others.

Overall, "The Cantos" meditates on the limitations of language, understanding, and judgment. It questions the triumphs we celebrate, the way we measure human worth, and the ultimate act of letting go of any need to alter or "improve" others, choosing instead to find peace within those limitations. Through this, Creeley touches on universal themes of identity, pride, and the quiet complexities of human connection.

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