Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley';s poem "Calendar: The Door" (January) contemplates the difficulty of beginning anew, the passage of time, and the ambiguities of promises and expectations. Set in January, the poem captures the essence of starting a new year, reflecting on the challenges that come with new beginnings, the inevitability of time moving forward, and the significance of what remains constant amid change. Creeley’s characteristic minimalist style heightens the emotional weight of each line, prompting readers to consider their own experiences with time and renewal.

The opening line, "Hard to begin / always again and again," sets the tone for the poem, establishing the month of January as synonymous with fresh starts, and acknowledging the difficulty inherent in beginning anew. January, the first month of the year, is traditionally a time for resolutions and new endeavors, but Creeley emphasizes that starting over is rarely easy. The repetition of "again and again" conveys a sense of cyclical struggle, as if each new year presents the same challenge of motivation and renewal, reinforcing the idea that beginnings are an inevitable but arduous part of life.

The phrase "open that door / on yet another year" introduces the metaphor of a door, symbolizing the transition between the old and the new, the past and the future. The act of opening a door suggests taking initiative, stepping into the unknown, and embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with a new year. However, the use of "yet another year" carries a hint of weariness, as if the speaker is slightly exhausted by the prospect of having to face the passage of time once more. This sense of inevitability and reluctance underscores the tension between the desire for change and the difficulty of pursuing it.

"Faces two ways / but goes only one" refers to the dual nature of the month of January, which is named after Janus, the Roman god of doors, transitions, and beginnings. Janus is often depicted with two faces—one looking to the past and one to the future—symbolizing the connection between what has been and what is yet to come. Creeley';s line captures this duality, emphasizing that while we may reflect on the past and anticipate the future, time itself moves in only one direction—forward. The phrase "goes only one" underscores the inevitability of progress, suggesting that, despite our inclination to look both backward and forward, we must ultimately move ahead.

"Promises, promises . . ." introduces an element of skepticism or doubt. The repetition of the word "promises" evokes the common practice of making New Year';s resolutions—commitments to self-improvement or change that are often broken or forgotten as time progresses. The ellipsis implies a trailing off, as if the speaker is doubtful about the value or durability of these promises, recognizing the ease with which they can be made and the difficulty of keeping them. This line captures the fragility of human intentions and the disconnection between our aspirations and our actions.

The poem continues with "What stays true to us / or to the other / here waits for us." These lines shift the focus from promises to something more enduring. The question of "what stays true" implies a search for stability and reliability, whether in oneself or in relationships with others. The phrase "or to the other" suggests that this search extends beyond the self, encompassing the bonds and connections we form with others. The concept of something "waiting for us" conveys a sense of hope and reassurance, as if there is something constant that endures despite the passing of time. It implies that while new beginnings may be challenging, there is an element of continuity that persists, providing a foundation upon which we can build.

Structurally, "Calendar: The Door" is composed of short, enjambed lines that contribute to a sense of movement and reflection. The poem’s fragmented form mirrors the process of contemplating the beginning of a new year—thoughts are disjointed, shifting between optimism, doubt, and the search for constancy. The lack of punctuation further emphasizes the fluidity of time and the interconnectedness of the ideas presented, allowing each line to flow into the next.

The imagery of a door, the reference to Janus, and the repeated mentions of promises evoke the themes of transition, duality, and expectation. The door represents both a barrier and an opportunity, something that must be actively opened to move forward. The duality of Janus symbolizes the human tendency to dwell on the past while simultaneously looking to the future, highlighting the complexity of beginning anew. The mention of promises reflects the uncertainty that often accompanies the start of a new year, as we make commitments that may or may not be fulfilled.

"Calendar: The Door" ultimately captures the emotional complexity of beginning a new year—both the hope and the hesitation, the promise of change and the recognition of continuity. Creeley reflects on the inevitability of time';s passage and the difficulty of starting over, while also suggesting that there is something enduring that remains with us, even as we face new challenges. The poem invites readers to consider their own experiences with renewal, to acknowledge the difficulty of keeping promises, and to find comfort in the idea that, despite the uncertainties of the future, there are constants that stay true. In this way, "Calendar: The Door" becomes a meditation on the interplay between change and continuity, offering a nuanced reflection on the nature of beginnings and the passage of time.

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