Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s "Now Then" explores the complex nature of forbidden love, the allure of restriction, and the way in which prohibitions can heighten desire. The poem reflects on the intensity that accompanies feelings constrained by external forces, capturing how the very act of denial can amplify the passion and significance of love. Through a brief reference to Huggi Baba, a possibly invented or folkloric figure who serves as a wise yet detached commentator, Creeley presents the idea that love, when placed out of reach or deemed unacceptable, acquires a special potency, making it feel even more meaningful or thrilling.

The line "When love is for- / bidden, it / is the most!" is emphatic in its declaration, setting the stage for a meditation on how limitations can transform love into something extraordinary. The enjambment, which splits "for- / bidden" and "the most!" across lines, emphasizes the abrupt nature of prohibition, as if love itself is cut off or interrupted. This fragmented structure mirrors the impact of social or moral constraints on feelings, suggesting that while love may be restricted, its intensity endures, finding ways to adapt and flourish in the face of opposition. The phrase "it is the most!" captures the sense of heightened passion and significance, implying that the very act of forbidding love elevates it to an unparalleled status.

The introduction of "Huggi Baba" lends a folkloric or mythical tone to the poem, suggesting that this pronouncement carries a sense of wisdom or ancient insight. Though Creeley doesn’t provide a background for Huggi Baba, the name evokes an exotic, almost timeless figure, a wise, possibly humorous persona who observes human affairs from a distance. By attributing this statement to an old figure, possibly "an old / gyptian" or a man from a bygone era, Creeley adds a layer of authority to the observation. This character serves as an intermediary, one who understands the depth of human experience and the ways in which social constraints have historically shaped desire.

The line "Perhaps an / old man already at the time / of this pronouncement" introduces a sense of age and experience, suggesting that the speaker of this wisdom has lived long enough to see the cycles of love, restriction, and rebellion play out repeatedly. The image of an "old man" carries with it a sense of nostalgia or reflection, as if the wisdom shared is not just an abstract idea but something learned and observed over a lifetime. This timeless quality reinforces the notion that forbidden love, and the allure it carries, is a universal and enduring aspect of human life, one that transcends individual eras or cultures.

The repetition of "when / love is forbidden" serves as both a refrain and a summation, encapsulating the poem’s theme. This phrase underscores the cyclical nature of desire and restriction, suggesting that the allure of forbidden love is a constant in human experience. This echo brings the poem full circle, reinforcing the idea that prohibitions are not merely obstacles but catalysts that deepen the emotional and psychological impact of love. The return to the concept of forbidden love emphasizes its inescapable appeal and its power to transform the ordinary into something profound and “the most!”

Structurally, "Now Then" is sparse and fragmented, with enjambed lines that create a rhythm of abrupt pauses and breaks, mirroring the tension inherent in forbidden love. This structure reflects the stops and starts that characterize restricted desires, as if the poem itself is holding back, only to release its emotions in carefully measured bursts. The line breaks and spacing add a sense of anticipation and hesitation, allowing each phrase to linger, much like the lingering feeling of a love that cannot be fully realized or openly expressed.

Thematically, "Now Then" explores the interplay between restriction and desire, suggesting that love, when placed under constraints, gains a heightened emotional and symbolic significance. The poem reflects on how social or personal prohibitions can intensify feelings, transforming love from a mere emotion into a profound and defining experience. By invoking Huggi Baba, a character who speaks from a place of wisdom or folklore, Creeley adds a layer of timeless insight, implying that the allure of forbidden love is a fundamental aspect of human nature, something that has been recognized and celebrated across generations.

In conclusion, Robert Creeley’s "Now Then" is a succinct yet powerful reflection on the nature of forbidden love. Through a blend of fragmented structure, folkloric reference, and a tone of resigned wisdom, Creeley captures the idea that restrictions on love serve to heighten its allure, making it feel all the more intense and meaningful. The poem’s brevity and sparseness underscore the ineffable quality of love under constraint, inviting readers to consider how desire is shaped not just by what is freely given but by what is denied or out of reach. Ultimately, "Now Then" speaks to the paradox of forbidden love, where limitation fuels intensity, transforming desire into something unforgettable and uniquely “the most.”

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