Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley';s poem "Corn Close" is a vivid and multifaceted reflection on the nature of friendship, the passing of time, and the experience of being fully present in the world. Written for Basil Bunting, the poem captures moments shared between the speaker and Bunting, a fellow poet known for his deep connection to the landscapes of Northern England. The poem';s mix of mundane details, philosophical musings, and observations on daily life reflects Creeley';s style of blending ordinary experiences with profound insights, ultimately emphasizing the significance of being grounded in the present and recognizing the beauty and wonder in what may seem commonplace.

The poem opens with "Words again, rehearsal— / ';Are we going to get up into heaven—after all?';" which immediately introduces a tone of questioning and introspection. The idea of "words again, rehearsal" suggests a recurring conversation or thought, one that has been revisited over time, as if rehearsing for something yet to come. The question about heaven underscores a curiosity about the afterlife, an existential query that remains unresolved. This question is followed by "What';s the sound of that, who, where— / and how," indicating a desire to understand or give form to this abstract notion. The language is fragmented, reflecting the uncertainties inherent in such reflections on life and what lies beyond.

The poem shifts to an observational mode: "One wonder, one wonders, sees the world— / specifically, this one." Here, Creeley draws attention to the importance of specificity and direct experience. The repetition of "one wonders" emphasizes the ongoing nature of curiosity, while "sees the world—specifically, this one" urges the reader to focus on the present moment and the tangible world around them, rather than getting lost in abstract questions. This line captures the essence of the poem—a meditation on being fully present and embracing the world as it is.

"Sheep, many with lambs, of a spring morning, / on sharp slope of hill';s side, run up it in chill rain" presents a vivid and specific scene. The imagery of sheep and lambs in a spring setting on a steep hillside emphasizes the natural beauty and resilience of life. The "chill rain" adds a tactile element, conveying both the harshness and freshness of the experience. This pastoral image contrasts with the earlier existential musings, grounding the poem in a specific time and place, while also highlighting the cyclical nature of life and renewal.

"Below';s brook, as I';d say, a burn? a beck? / Goddamnit, learn it" reflects the speaker';s struggle with the local terminology, indicating a desire to fully immerse themselves in the specificities of the landscape. The terms "burn" and "beck" are regional words for a small stream, and the speaker';s insistence on learning them suggests a respect for the particularities of place, as well as a recognition that understanding comes from engaging with details. The moment also reflects the speaker';s connection to Bunting, who is deeply attuned to the landscapes of his home in Northern England.

"Fell fills eye, as we lie abed. / Basil';s up and out walking / with the weather';s vagaries." The image of "fell" (a term for a hill or upland area) filling the speaker';s vision as they lie in bed evokes a sense of being enveloped by the landscape. Meanwhile, "Basil';s up and out walking / with the weather';s vagaries" suggests that Bunting is actively engaging with the world, regardless of the unpredictable weather. This contrasts with the speaker’s more passive stance, highlighting Bunting';s resilience and connection to the natural world, which serves as a source of inspiration and comfort.

"His home is this world';s wetness or any';s, / feet planted on ground," speaks to Bunting';s adaptability and his deep-rooted connection to the physical world. The mention of "this world';s wetness" suggests an acceptance of the natural elements, reinforcing the idea that Bunting feels at home in the environment, regardless of its conditions. The phrase "feet planted on ground" underscores his stability and his grounding in reality, which is further contrasted by the speaker';s musings and uncertainties.

The line "Vague palaver. Can I get the fire to burn with wet wood?" introduces a moment of frustration and self-doubt. The attempt to light a fire with wet wood serves as a metaphor for the difficulties of creating something meaningful in adverse conditions. It reflects the speaker';s sense of inadequacy and the struggle to be "useful today." The subsequent lines, "Will I fuck up the fireplace? / Drop log on my foot," add a touch of humor and vulnerability, emphasizing the speaker’s apprehension about making mistakes and the unpredictability of even simple tasks.

The poem continues with a description of breakfast: "At breakfast we sit, provided, / tea';s steam, hot scones, butter, marmalade— / Basil';s incurious, reassuring smile." This scene captures a moment of domestic comfort and companionship. The detail of "tea';s steam, hot scones, butter, marmalade" evokes a sense of warmth and nourishment, while "Basil';s incurious, reassuring smile" suggests a calm acceptance of the moment, unburdened by existential questions. This interaction contrasts with the speaker';s earlier uncertainties, offering a glimpse of peace and stability in the routine of shared meals.

The poem then moves to a broader reflection: "Consider (at night) Corelli gives lifetime to getting it right: / the Twelve Concerti Grossi, not Ives (whom I love), not makeshift, tonal blather— / but sound meets sound with clear edge, finds place, precise, in the mind." Here, the speaker reflects on the importance of precision and dedication, as exemplified by the composer Arcangelo Corelli. The contrast between Corelli';s meticulous craftsmanship and the "makeshift, tonal blather" suggests a desire for clarity and intentionality in art and life. This reflection also speaks to the broader theme of finding order and meaning in the midst of chaos.

The lines "Have you seen a hawk— / look out! It will get you, blurred, patient person," evoke a sudden shift in tone, introducing an element of danger and unpredictability. The hawk, a symbol of sharp focus and predatory intent, contrasts with the "blurred, patient person," highlighting the tension between awareness and vulnerability. The imagery suggests that even in moments of contemplation, one must be mindful of the unexpected.

The poem concludes with a moment of wonder and a recognition of the present: "What wonder / more than / to be where you are, / and to know it? / All';s here." This closing sentiment emphasizes the importance of presence and awareness. The rhetorical question suggests that the greatest wonder is simply to be fully present in one';s surroundings, to appreciate the here and now without longing for something more. "All';s here" encapsulates the essence of the poem—a reminder that everything one needs is already present, if only one takes the time to notice and appreciate it.

"Corn Close" by Robert Creeley is a rich and layered exploration of friendship, the natural world, and the search for meaning. Through vivid imagery, personal anecdotes, and philosophical reflections, Creeley captures the complexity of human experience, highlighting the importance of being grounded in the present and finding solace in the ordinary. The poem';s interplay between mundane details and profound insights underscores the value of the everyday, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from embracing the world as it is, with all its challenges and beauty. Ultimately, "Corn Close" is a celebration of presence, resilience, and the deep connections that give life its meaning.

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