Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s poem "When He and I" is an exploration of intimacy, identity, and the intersection of physical and spiritual experience. Through vivid, almost surreal imagery, Creeley delves into a complex encounter that reveals aspects of the self in the context of human connection. The poem’s narrator undergoes a transformative experience that blurs the lines between individual identities, between the physical and metaphysical, and between self-awareness and self-transcendence. Creeley’s language is both personal and universal, touching on primal themes of desire, revelation, and the mystery of human relationships.

The poem opens with “When he and I, after drinking and talking, approached the goddess or woman,” situating the speaker and a companion in a space of casual camaraderie that soon deepens into a more profound encounter. The ambiguity of the “goddess or woman” signals a shift from ordinary human interaction toward something mythic or otherworldly. This figure embodies both femininity and divinity, representing an archetype that transcends mere physicality, and perhaps symbolizing an ideal or a higher form of connection. The ambiguity here leaves room for interpretation: the “goddess” could represent an actual person or an elevated state of consciousness, a blending of the sacred and the mundane. This ambiguity sets the tone for the rest of the poem, where boundaries between people, identities, and experiences become fluid.

As the speaker and his companion approach her, the phrase “become her” introduces a sense of merging or identification. This line suggests that the act of approaching is transformative, that in seeking connection, one risks dissolving the barriers that usually separate individuals. The speaker’s “insistence” on entering her emphasizes a desire for closeness and union, but it also hints at the complexities and perhaps possessiveness inherent in human relationships. The speaker’s drive to bridge the gap between himself and the “goddess or woman” reflects a universal human longing for intimacy, for an experience that transcends ordinary consciousness and allows for a sense of unity with another.

Creeley then moves into a description of the “ease and delight of the meeting,” where the speaker receives a revelation—“that sight gave me myself.” This phrase suggests that the encounter is not merely physical but also deeply introspective. Through this union, the speaker experiences a heightened awareness, a sense of seeing himself more clearly. This self-realization is the “mystery” that he has come to find, implying that the true value of intimacy lies in its ability to reflect the self, to offer insight into one’s own nature through the mirror of another. In this moment, the “meeting” becomes more than a mere interaction; it is a spiritual revelation that grants the speaker a glimpse of his own essence, as if connection with another person can reveal truths hidden within oneself.

The vision or revelation then expands beyond the immediate encounter to “all manner of men, a throng, and bodies of women, writhing.” This description conjures an image of humanity en masse, a primal gathering of individuals seeking connection, expression, and understanding. The word “writhing” conveys a sense of urgency, passion, and perhaps even chaos, suggesting that the experience of intimacy and self-discovery is both beautiful and overwhelming. This collective image speaks to the universality of desire and the shared human quest for understanding. The “great though seemingly silent sound” that accompanies this vision adds an almost mystical element, as if the intensity of these emotions transcends the limitations of language or sound, reverberating instead in a silent, internal resonance.

When the speaker “left the room to them,” there is a sense of release or detachment, as though he has fulfilled his quest and can now withdraw. The act of leaving signifies a return to individuality after a moment of intense connection or union with the collective. He feels “as though hearing laughter,” which implies a lightness or joy that comes from having faced this mystery and emerged with a greater sense of clarity. The laughter here could be a metaphor for enlightenment, a moment of transcendence where he understands the absurdity or beauty of human existence and connection. His “heart lighten[s],” suggesting a sense of relief, as if he has unburdened himself or gained something intangible that brings peace.

The poem concludes with a series of open-ended questions: “What do you do, what do you say, what do you think, what do you know.” These questions serve as a contemplative coda, inviting both the speaker and the reader to reflect on the nature of experience, knowledge, and understanding. The repetition of “what” emphasizes the elusiveness of certainty, as if Creeley is suggesting that definitive answers are always out of reach. The questions leave the poem unresolved, mirroring the speaker’s own journey, which offers insights but no final answers. This ending underscores the complexity of human consciousness, which is always questioning, always seeking, yet never fully satisfied or certain.

Structurally, “When He and I” is written in free verse, which allows for a flowing, conversational tone that mirrors the introspective nature of the poem. The lack of rhyme or consistent meter gives the poem a sense of spontaneity, as if these thoughts are being captured in real-time, without the constraints of formal structure. This free form reflects the poem’s thematic emphasis on fluidity and openness, as the speaker moves through different states of consciousness and understanding. Creeley’s style here aligns with his focus on the ineffable qualities of human experience, emphasizing that some things—like love, intimacy, and self-awareness—cannot be easily defined or confined within rigid structures.

In “When He and I,” Robert Creeley captures the intricacies of human connection and self-discovery. The poem navigates between the physical and the spiritual, portraying intimacy as a transformative experience that can reveal deeper aspects of the self. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, Creeley explores the tension between individuality and union, suggesting that the desire to connect with others is rooted in a longing to understand oneself. The open-ended questions that close the poem leave readers with a sense of mystery, encouraging them to embrace the complexities and uncertainties of life. In this way, “When He and I” is both a celebration of human connection and a meditation on the limits of self-knowledge, a reminder that while we may seek answers, the true value lies in the search itself.

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