Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley';s poem "Common" explores themes of the ordinary, the overlooked, and the foundational elements of existence. Through compressed language and evocative imagery, Creeley meditates on the meaning and value of what is "common"—the everyday, the often unnoticed but essential components of life. The poem';s brevity and enigmatic quality suggest a layered examination of how the mundane can serve as a profound basis for meaning, creativity, and existence.

The opening phrase, "Common';s profound bottom / of flotsam," introduces a juxtaposition between what is "common" and its "profound bottom." This suggests that beneath the ordinary lies a depth that is not immediately apparent. The word "flotsam" refers to debris floating on the water, often seen as discarded or insignificant, yet it is also a part of the vast, intricate ecosystem. In this context, "flotsam" represents the overlooked aspects of daily life, those elements that seem to lack value but are nonetheless foundational to the fabric of existence. By using "profound bottom," Creeley implies that there is depth and meaning even in the discarded and mundane—an idea that challenges the reader to look beyond superficial appearances to find what lies beneath.

"Specious increase / of the space" suggests a deceptive or illusory expansion. The word "specious" conveys something that appears true or real but may lack genuine substance. This line could refer to the ways in which the ordinary, or the common, can appear to grow or expand in meaning when examined closely, though this increase might not always be what it seems. It highlights the tension between what is genuinely profound and what may simply appear so on the surface. The "increase of the space" could also be interpreted as the tendency of the mundane to take up more room in our perception, giving the illusion of significance without necessarily holding any real depth.

"A ground abounds, / a place to make it" brings the poem to a close with a sense of potential and creation. "A ground abounds" suggests that the common provides a fertile basis, a foundation from which things can grow and take shape. The word "ground" here serves as both a literal and metaphorical reference—it is the basis upon which something is built, an environment rich with possibility. The phrase "a place to make it" emphasizes the creative potential inherent in the ordinary. It suggests that the common offers a space where something meaningful can be crafted or realized. The ambiguity of "it" leaves room for interpretation, allowing the reader to imagine what "it" might be—a work of art, a life, a sense of meaning. The closing line conveys a sense of agency, implying that from the ordinary, from the common ground, there is always an opportunity to create something new and valuable.

Structurally, "Common" is concise, with each line packed with meaning. The sparse and fragmented nature of the poem reflects the theme of uncovering depth in simplicity. The lack of punctuation and the enjambment between lines create a sense of flow and continuity, inviting the reader to move seamlessly from one idea to the next, much like the exploration of the layers within the common itself. The language is deliberately abstract, leaving much open to interpretation and encouraging the reader to engage with the imagery on a deeper level.

The title, "Common," is both a statement and an invitation. It asks the reader to consider what is meant by the term—whether it is something mundane, shared, or foundational. By focusing on the common, Creeley challenges the reader to find value and profundity in the everyday, to recognize that what might initially appear insignificant can serve as the ground for creation and meaning. The poem suggests that there is beauty and potential in what is ordinary, and that the ability to "make it" lies in recognizing and utilizing the profound foundation that the common provides.

In "Common," Robert Creeley reflects on the layers of meaning hidden within the ordinary aspects of life. Through dense and evocative language, the poem invites readers to reconsider the value of what is commonly overlooked, suggesting that even the most mundane elements of existence have the potential to become profound. By exploring the tension between appearance and substance, and by highlighting the creative possibilities inherent in the common, Creeley encourages readers to find depth in simplicity and to use the ordinary as a foundation for making something meaningful. The poem serves as a reminder that, beneath the surface of what we often take for granted, there lies a world rich with possibility and significance, waiting to be uncovered and brought to life.

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