Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s poem "Barcelona: February 13, 1977" juxtaposes a public ritual of cultural expression—the sardana dance—with the violent undercurrents of political reality, capturing a complex moment in Catalan history during Spain’s transition from dictatorship to democracy. The poem, which centers on a group of people dancing in a plaza, uses spare and evocative language to explore themes of community, resilience, and the intersection of tradition and political upheaval.

The opening line, "Grave, to the will of the people," sets a solemn tone, using the word "grave" to convey a sense of seriousness and weight. The reference to the "will of the people" suggests a collective desire or determination, hinting at the larger political context of Spain in the late 1970s—a time marked by social unrest, calls for democracy, and the emergence of new political freedoms following Franco';s death in 1975. The phrase indicates that the events taking place in the plaza are significant, perhaps symbolizing the resilience of the people amidst a backdrop of political uncertainty.

The setting of the poem—"in the plaza in front of the cathedral, at noon"—evokes a strong sense of place. The plaza, a public space in front of a cathedral, symbolizes both the secular and the sacred, blending the everyday life of the people with a setting of spiritual and historical importance. The mention of "noon" highlights the timing of the dance in broad daylight, suggesting that this is an open, public act, not hidden away but instead performed for everyone to see. This openness emphasizes the importance of the dance as a statement of cultural identity and resistance.

The phrase "dance the sardana" introduces the central action of the poem. The sardana is a traditional Catalan dance, often associated with unity, pride, and cultural heritage. By including this specific dance, Creeley alludes to the resilience of the Catalan people and their cultural expressions during a time when regional identity was suppressed under Franco';s regime. The sardana is a collective dance, performed in a circle, and its inclusion here suggests solidarity and the power of the community coming together.

The abrupt shift to "two policemen dead, four arrested" introduces a stark contrast. The inclusion of this report-like statement suggests an ongoing conflict or violence that stands in sharp contrast to the peaceful, communal dance of the sardana. This contrast between the dance and the mention of "policemen dead" emphasizes the tension between celebration and suppression, freedom and control. It implies that while the people are engaging in a public ritual, there is also an underlying, potentially volatile political reality that shapes their actions and lives.

The words "ritual, formal, grave, old and young" reflect the nature of the sardana dance. Describing it as a "ritual" emphasizes its deep-rooted cultural significance and its role in maintaining a sense of continuity amidst the turbulence of political change. The adjectives "formal" and "grave" suggest that the dance is performed with a seriousness befitting the moment, with participants fully aware of the larger implications of their actions. The inclusion of "old and young" underscores the intergenerational nature of the dance, indicating that it brings together people of all ages, thus embodying a collective cultural identity that spans generations.

"Coats left in heap in the middle of the circle, wind chill—" introduces a vivid, almost cinematic image of the dance in action. The coats discarded in the center of the circle suggest an element of trust and vulnerability; the participants are willing to shed their outer layers to engage fully in the communal experience of the dance. The mention of "wind chill" adds a sensory detail, evoking the coldness of the day and highlighting the participants'; resilience in the face of discomfort. The act of dancing despite the chill symbolizes their determination to come together and affirm their identity, even in difficult circumstances.

The final lines, "dance, to find will," serve as a powerful conclusion. Here, the dance is not merely a cultural performance but an act of self-discovery and assertion of collective intent. The phrase "to find will" suggests that the act of dancing is a means of reaffirming one';s sense of purpose and determination. In a time of political upheaval and uncertainty, the dance becomes a way for the people to reconnect with their identity, find strength in their unity, and resist through cultural expression. The repetition of the word "grave" throughout the poem underscores the weight and solemnity of this endeavor, highlighting the dance as both a celebration of culture and an act of defiance.

"Barcelona: February 13, 1977" is a poem that captures the interplay between culture, community, and political turmoil. Through its stark imagery and juxtaposition of violence with ritual, Creeley conveys the resilience of the Catalan people and the importance of cultural expression as a means of resistance. The sardana dance, performed in the shadow of political violence, becomes a symbol of unity and determination, a way for the people to assert their identity and find strength amidst uncertainty. The poem';s minimalist language and fragmented structure effectively convey the complexities of the moment, emphasizing both the beauty and the gravity of communal acts of defiance in the face of oppression.

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