Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Gift of Great Value" by Robert Creeley explores themes of family dynamics, perception, and the transformative power of imagination and memory. Through the symbol of a horse, Creeley navigates complex emotional landscapes, revealing the interconnectedness of personal identity, familial relationships, and the broader existential experience.

The opening line, "Oh that horse I see so high when the world shrinks into its relationships," immediately introduces the horse as a significant, almost mythical presence in the speaker's life. The phrase "when the world shrinks into its relationships" suggests moments of intense emotional clarity or realization, where the complexities of the world are distilled into the simple yet profound connections between individuals.

The speaker's declaration, "my mother sees as well as 1," establishes a shared vision or understanding between the speaker and their mother, hinting at a deep, perhaps unspoken bond that transcends mere observation. This shared perception underscores the importance of familial connections in shaping one's understanding of the world and oneself.

The lines "She was born, but I bore with her" subtly shift the dynamics of the mother-child relationship, suggesting a mutual process of becoming and enduring. This phrase may imply that the speaker's identity and experiences are inextricably linked with their mother's, highlighting the complex interplay of influence and shared history that characterizes family bonds.

The description of the horse as "a mighty occasion" and the emphasis on "The intensity of its feet! The height of its immense body!" convey a sense of awe and respect for the creature, elevating it to a symbol of powerful, perhaps untamed, forces within the speaker's life or psyche. The horse represents something extraordinary and significant, a source of wonder and reflection.

As the poem progresses to "Now then in wonder at evening, at the last small entrance of the night," the setting transitions to a moment of contemplation and closeness between the speaker, their mother, and the symbolic horse. The act of calling the horse, both by the mother and the speaker, and associating it with the father, further complicates the poem's exploration of family dynamics, suggesting the horse embodies aspects of the father's character or the speaker's relationship with him.

The concluding image of riding the horse "With angry face, with no rights, with impetuosity and sterile vision-and a great wind we ride" paints a vivid picture of rebellion, struggle, and perhaps liberation. The description may reflect the speaker's perception of their father or their own feelings of defiance and desire to transcend limitations. The ride, propelled by "a great wind," symbolizes a journey of emotional intensity and transformation, driven by the complex, often turbulent forces of family relationships and personal identity.

"A Gift of Great Value" is a rich, layered poem that delves into the depths of human connections, memory, and the symbols that capture our deepest emotions and experiences. Creeley's use of the horse as a central figure invites readers to consider the ways in which family, and the myriad relationships within it, shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. Through its nuanced portrayal of familial bonds and the powerful emotions they evoke, the poem offers a profound meditation on the gifts of insight and understanding that emerge from our closest relationships.

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