Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s poem “What / Do You Think It Is” delves into themes of perception, memory, and the elusive nature of existence. In this contemplative work, Creeley addresses the passage of time and the search for meaning in a world that appears both concrete and intangible. Through fragmented images, introspective questioning, and a tone of quiet uncertainty, the poem meditates on how we make sense of the world around us and the inner landscapes of memory and thought. Creeley’s minimalist style amplifies these themes, inviting readers to pause and reflect on their own experiences of being, seeing, and remembering.

The poem begins with the direct and almost confrontational question, “What / do you think it is.” This line draws the reader into the poem, as if inviting them to ponder the essence of reality or existence itself. This open-ended question immediately establishes a tone of curiosity, but also uncertainty. By not specifying “it,” Creeley leaves the question open to interpretation, allowing readers to project their own existential inquiries onto the text. The question also implies that whatever "it" is—life, reality, purpose—is subjective, something each person must define for themselves.

The second line, “Dogs wandering the roads,” introduces an image of aimlessness and searching. Dogs, often symbols of loyalty and companionship, here seem to be solitary, wandering without a clear direction. This image echoes the poem’s opening question, suggesting that humans, like these dogs, may be wandering through life in search of something undefined. The dogs on the road represent a restlessness, a journey without a clear destination, mirroring the speaker's own search for understanding. The randomness of their wandering hints at the arbitrariness of existence, the idea that life itself might lack inherent direction.

Creeley continues with “All I knew or know began with this— emptiness / with its incessant movement.” Here, the poet reflects on the origins of his understanding, describing it as beginning with emptiness. This line suggests a view of existence as rooted in a void or lack, a place where meaning is not given but must be constructed or discovered. The phrase “incessant movement” implies that even within this emptiness, there is a dynamic force, an unceasing flux that propels life forward. This could be interpreted as a depiction of consciousness itself, constantly moving, questioning, and searching within the vast unknown. Creeley’s language captures the paradox of life as both empty and full of movement, a cycle of seeking without ever fully arriving at answers.

The poem then moves into a reflection on time: “Where was it— to be younger, older, if not here, if not there.” This line underscores the ephemeral nature of time and age, hinting that these concepts are difficult to locate or define. By asking “where was it,” Creeley suggests that youth and age are transient states, impossible to hold onto or truly understand. This ambiguity surrounding time reinforces the sense of existential questioning that pervades the poem. The speaker seems to be grappling with the realization that life’s stages—being young, growing older—are fleeting and ultimately indefinable, experienced only in relation to the present moment.

In the lines “Calling, / calling over the shoulder, through a mist, to those fading people,” Creeley evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss. The act of “calling” implies a desire to reach out to the past or to people who are no longer present. The “mist” that obscures these “fading people” suggests the haziness of memory, the way people and experiences from the past gradually slip away, becoming less distinct over time. This imagery creates a haunting, almost melancholic tone, as the speaker acknowledges the impossibility of fully grasping or reclaiming the past. The repetition of “calling” emphasizes the yearning to connect with these memories, even as they continue to fade.

The line “This singleness / you make an evidence has purpose” shifts the focus to the present, hinting at the human desire to find meaning or purpose in solitude. The word “singleness” could refer to the speaker’s own isolation or individuality, something they strive to affirm as meaningful. The phrase “you make an evidence” suggests an active role in creating or attributing purpose to one’s existence, as if purpose is not inherent but something we must actively construct. This line implies that despite solitude, one can still find purpose or significance, though it may be a self-created illusion.

In a comforting reassurance, Creeley states, “You are not alone, however one—not so alone.” This line suggests that while the speaker feels isolated in their introspection, there is a shared human experience of solitude and searching. The phrase “not so alone” serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all people, even in their individual quests for understanding. This sentiment suggests that the experience of questioning, of facing life’s uncertainties, is a universal one, connecting the speaker to others despite physical or emotional distance.

The next lines, “Light finds a place you can see it in such singleness,” introduce an image of light as a metaphor for understanding or clarity. The “singleness” here might imply that true insight or self-awareness often comes in moments of solitude. Light finding a place to be seen suggests that even in isolation, there are moments of revelation, where understanding briefly illuminates the darkness of existence. This light, however, is temporary and fragile, much like the transient moments of clarity in life.

Creeley continues to build this sense of the elusive with, “There might be an imaginary place to be / there might be.” The repetition of “there might be” conveys uncertainty, as if the speaker is hesitant to fully commit to the possibility of a place where answers can be found. The notion of an “imaginary place” implies that perhaps such a place exists only in the mind, a construct created out of the need for meaning. This ambiguous line reinforces the theme of searching without certainty, suggesting that any answers we find may be imagined or illusory.

The poem closes with a reflective tone: “What have I seen, now see? / There were times before I look now.” These final lines bring the poem full circle, returning to the theme of perception and memory. The question “What have I seen, now see?” reflects the speaker’s ongoing struggle to understand their own experiences and to make sense of what they perceive. The mention of “times before” suggests a layering of past and present, as if each moment of perception is colored by previous experiences. The act of “looking now” implies that understanding is an active, continuous process, something that must be revisited again and again without the promise of definitive answers.

Through “What / Do You Think It Is,” Robert Creeley presents a meditation on the nature of existence, memory, and the quest for meaning. The poem’s structure and language emphasize the fluidity of perception and the difficulty of finding solid ground in a world that is both familiar and incomprehensible. Creeley’s use of fragmented imagery and introspective questioning captures the complexity of human consciousness, illustrating that while we may strive for understanding, the answers often remain elusive. In the end, the poem suggests that the search for meaning is an integral part of the human experience, one that binds us to others even as we confront it alone. Through this reflective and existential exploration, Creeley invites readers to embrace the uncertainty of life, finding solace in the shared experience of questioning.

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