Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Tell Story," Robert Creeley distills the essence of storytelling into its simplest, most intimate form. The poem’s brevity mirrors its message, as it conveys a sense of approaching a destination or conclusion through only a few essential words. This stripped-down approach allows the reader to feel the immediacy and closeness of the “story” Creeley wishes to convey—a story that doesn’t require grand embellishments or elaborate details, only honesty and presence.

The line "Tell story / simply / as you know / how to" speaks to the desire for unadorned expression, for communication that is clear and direct. Creeley encourages an honesty in storytelling that bypasses artifice. This sentiment might resonate not only in the context of storytelling but in broader interactions and connections with others. He emphasizes the value of truth over theatrics, and the wisdom of sharing what we know without forcing complexity. In this way, Creeley presents storytelling as an act of sincerity and clarity, almost as though he views the story as something one must handle gently, trusting in its inherent worth.

The imagery of "this road / has ending" evokes a journey nearing completion, a path that is both literal and metaphorical. The road could signify the journey of life, a shared relationship, or even the process of telling the story itself, with an understanding that everything has a final point. The simplicity of "this road" grounds the poem, making it feel as if he is talking about something specific and personal, though universal enough to resonate with any reader who has walked a similar road. The awareness of an ending lends a bittersweet quality to the poem, as if the speaker is mindful of time and the inevitability of closure.

In the final words, "hand / in hand," Creeley introduces a moment of tenderness and connection, as if suggesting that the journey—whether in storytelling, life, or a relationship—is best undertaken with another. These words infuse the poem with warmth and intimacy, counterbalancing the inevitability of endings with the reassurance of companionship. It implies that even if the road must end, the journey is meaningful because it is shared. This touch of human connection hints at Creeley’s belief in the importance of presence and shared experience, no matter how fleeting.

"Tell Story" is a testament to simplicity, intimacy, and the beauty of shared journeys. Creeley’s language is pared down to its barest essentials, yet it captures a profound sense of warmth, connection, and reflection. The poem suggests that the art of storytelling—and indeed, the art of living—is not in the flourish or complexity but in the honest act of sharing, of walking together hand in hand, fully aware that the journey will eventually conclude. Creeley invites readers to appreciate these simple truths, to value companionship, and to approach life and storytelling with humility and sincerity.

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