Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Determination to Write" by Stephen Dobyns captures the anticipation, preparation, and ultimately, the initial step taken by an individual towards realizing a long-held dream of writing. Through meticulous descriptions of the writer's preparations—the purchase of an expensive pen, a restored rolltop desk, the renovation of an attic room into an office—Dobyns explores themes of aspiration, the sanctity of creative spaces, and the significance of beginning.

The choice of "Cabbage" as the first word written with the new pen is both humorous and profound. On one level, it underscores the often-awkward initial steps towards creative expression, highlighting the gap between the grandeur of the writer's preparations and the simplicity of the first word that comes to mind. On another level, it symbolizes the raw, organic nature of the creative process, which, like a cabbage, can unfold in layers and reveal unexpected depths.

The description of the pen as a "trophy pen, like a trophy wife, not cheap," injects a note of irony into the poem. This comparison, along with the emphasis on the cost and aesthetic of the writing instruments and environment, reflects on the often-materialistic markers of success and legitimacy that individuals seek out in pursuit of their dreams. Yet, the choice of writing implements and the creation of a dedicated space for writing are also acts of reverence for the act of writing itself, signifying a deep respect for the creative process and a desire to honor it with worthy tools and settings.

The renovation of the attic room into a "pine-panelled" office with "good light" and bookshelves represents not only a physical transformation but also a metaphorical clearing of space for creativity to flourish. The setting aside of a sacred space for writing underscores the importance of environment in nurturing creativity and signals the writer's commitment to his craft.

The narrative of the poem, which traces the writer's journey from high school dreams through years of "tedious" tax work to the moment of beginning his first novel, reflects on the nature of determination and the persistence of creative ambition through the distractions and demands of everyday life. The act of finally sitting down to write, "excitingly begun," is depicted as a culmination of years of dreaming and planning, a triumphant moment of initiation into the writer's long-envisioned identity.

"Determination to Write" is a poignant exploration of the moments that precede the act of creation, the blend of absurdity and solemnity that can accompany the first steps towards fulfilling a dream, and the enduring power of determination in the face of life's practicalities. Through the lens of one individual's experience, Dobyns invites readers to reflect on their own creative aspirations and the spaces, both physical and metaphorical, they create to pursue them.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...