Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley';s poem "Do You Think" presents an intricate and deeply philosophical reflection on desire, love, existence, and the nature of experience. The poem’s questions invite readers to explore the complexities of decision-making, relationships, and the passage of time. Each line challenges the assumptions we make about what we want, the permanence of things, and the meaning behind our actions. By using a series of rhetorical questions, Creeley explores the inherent contradictions in human thought, presenting an open-ended inquiry into the nature of reality and our understanding of it.

The poem opens with the question, "Do you think that if you once do what you want to do / you will want not to do it." This line introduces the theme of desire and fulfillment. It reflects on the nature of wanting and whether fulfilling a desire can lead to a subsequent loss of interest. The phrase suggests that once we achieve what we think we desire, the allure may fade, and the motivation to continue pursuing it may diminish. This question challenges the reader to consider the transient nature of desire and the paradox that often follows the achievement of a goal.

The next question, "Do you think that if there’s an apple on the table and somebody eats it, it won’t be there anymore," shifts to a simple, almost childlike observation of reality. This line captures the logic of existence and disappearance, emphasizing the simplicity of cause and effect. It also serves as a reminder that the physical world operates with straightforward rules—once an action is taken, such as eating an apple, the object ceases to exist in its original form. The juxtaposition of this basic truth with the more complex philosophical inquiries elsewhere in the poem highlights the dual nature of understanding: there are some realities that are easily grasped, while others remain enigmatic and subject to interpretation.

"Do you think that if two people are in love with one another, / one or the other has got to be less in love than the other / at some point in the otherwise happy relationship" explores the nature of love and the balance of emotions within a relationship. The question implies an inherent inequality in love, suggesting that one person may inevitably feel more or less than the other at any given time. It raises the issue of whether a perfect equilibrium in love is ever achievable, or if such relationships must always involve a fluctuating balance of emotions. This line captures the vulnerability and uncertainty that often accompany love, reflecting a common fear that love may not always be equally reciprocated.

The line "Do you think that if you once take a breath, you’re by that committed / to taking the next one and so on / until the very process of breathing’s an endlessly expanding need / almost of its own necessity forever" delves into the concept of compulsion and the automatic nature of certain actions. Breathing, a fundamental and involuntary act, becomes a metaphor for other recurring needs and commitments in life. The idea that taking one breath commits a person to the next suggests a sense of inevitability and entrapment in a cycle—once we begin something, we may be bound to continue it indefinitely, often without consciously choosing to do so. This line speaks to the human condition of being caught in repetitive actions that define our existence.

"Do you think that if no one knows / then whatever it is, no one will know / and that will be the case, like they say, for an indefinite period of time / if such time can have a qualification of such time" raises questions about knowledge, secrecy, and the nature of time. The line suggests that the unknown remains unknown until it is revealed, and in this way, it underscores the ephemeral quality of human understanding. The repetition of "no one knows" emphasizes the isolation of unshared knowledge, while the phrase "an indefinite period of time" evokes a sense of timelessness, suggesting that what remains hidden could potentially be forgotten forever. This idea challenges the notion of permanence and the limits of our awareness.

"Do you know anyone, really. Have you been, really, much alone. / Are you lonely, now, for example" shifts the focus to the self and relationships. The repetition of "really" highlights the difficulty of fully knowing someone else or even oneself. The questions about loneliness and being alone suggest a deep introspection about the nature of solitude and human connection. The directness of "Are you lonely, now, for example" brings the abstract inquiry into the immediate present, urging the reader to reflect on their own emotional state. This line captures the essence of existential questioning—whether we are truly connected to others or if, ultimately, we face the world alone.

"Does anything really matter to you, really, or has anything mattered" continues the exploration of existential meaning. It questions the significance of personal values and experiences, challenging the reader to consider whether the things they once thought important truly had any lasting value. The repetition of "really" serves as an intensifier, pressing the reader to confront the authenticity of their emotions and beliefs.

"Does each thing tend to be there, and then not to be there, just as if that were it" brings the poem back to the idea of impermanence. This line reflects on the transient nature of existence, suggesting that things appear and disappear without deeper meaning or explanation. It captures the fleeting quality of reality, where objects and experiences come and go, leaving us to grapple with their absence.

The line "Do you think that if I said, I love you, or anyone said it, or you did" addresses the complexity of expressing love. The conditional phrasing—"if I said" or "if you did"—highlights the uncertainty and weight of those words. It suggests that the act of saying "I love you" carries profound implications, yet its meaning can be contingent, ambiguous, or even questionable.

The poem concludes with a reflection on decision-making and the creation of reality: "Do you think that if you had all such decisions to make and could make them. / Do you think that if you did. / That you really would have to think it all into reality, that world, each time, new." These lines suggest that each decision we make shapes our reality, and that creating or altering our world requires an active, deliberate process. The notion of "thinking it all into reality" implies that our perception and choices construct the world we experience, and that this process is continuous and ever-renewing. The repetition and conditional phrasing leave the poem open-ended, inviting readers to contemplate their role in creating and understanding their reality.

The structure of "Do You Think" is conversational and fragmented, with each question flowing into the next without definitive answers. This lack of resolution reflects the open-ended nature of the questions posed, emphasizing the complexity and ambiguity inherent in human thought and experience. Creeley';s use of rhetorical questions encourages readers to engage with the text on a personal level, considering their own beliefs and the uncertainties that accompany them.

"Do You Think" by Robert Creeley is a profound exploration of the nature of desire, love, existence, and the human condition. Through a series of probing questions, Creeley invites readers to examine the assumptions they make about their lives, relationships, and the meaning of their actions. The poem captures the contradictions and uncertainties of human thought, revealing the tension between what we want, what we perceive, and what is real. Ultimately, "Do You Think" serves as a reminder of the complexity of existence and the importance of questioning, reflecting, and engaging with the world around us, even when clear answers remain elusive.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...