Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s poem "Forty" presents a vivid, almost cinematic moment that captures the resilience, vulnerability, and communal bonds that define the human experience. The poem’s narrative structure, combined with Creeley’s minimalist style, creates a snapshot of a man suspended in a precarious situation—literally and figuratively—where danger and trust intersect. As the man hangs from a crane, high above a burning structure, the poem meditates on the nature of courage, human connection, and the role of faith in others during moments of crisis.

The opening line, “The forthright, good-natured faith / of man hung on crane up / forty stories,” immediately establishes the tone of the poem, focusing on the qualities of the man at the center of the scene. The word "forthright" suggests honesty and directness, while "good-natured" emphasizes the man’s positivity or kindness. These traits—straightforwardness and good humor—are set against the backdrop of a potentially life-threatening situation, as the man hangs forty stories high on a crane. This contrast between the man’s demeanor and his dangerous circumstances sets up the central tension of the poem: how does one maintain faith and good-naturedness in the face of peril?

The image of the man "hung on crane up / forty stories" is both literal and metaphorical. The man is physically suspended at a great height, but there’s also the sense that he is figuratively suspended in a moment of uncertainty, perhaps even existential crisis. The height—forty stories—adds a sense of awe and danger to the scene, while the crane, often a symbol of construction and labor, becomes a precarious lifeline. This introduces the theme of human vulnerability: despite the man’s confidence, he is entirely dependent on external factors (the crane, the firemen) for his survival.

The next lines, “with roof scaffolding / burning below him forty feet,” escalate the tension. The burning scaffolding below underscores the urgency of the situation and the man’s proximity to danger. The specific measurement—forty feet—parallels the earlier reference to forty stories, creating a symmetry that emphasizes the scale of the man’s predicament. The scaffolding, usually a support structure in construction, is now a source of peril, reinforcing the idea that the very things meant to hold us up can sometimes turn against us. This imagery speaks to the unpredictability of life and the fragility of human constructs.

Creeley then shifts focus to the man’s physical appearance: “good warm face, black hair, / confidence.” This description humanizes the man, drawing attention to his warmth and vitality despite the dangerous situation he finds himself in. His "confidence" is notable, as it contrasts with the chaos around him. This confidence is not arrogance, but a calm assurance, a faith in the situation and in those who are about to help him. The man';s warmth and good-naturedness further suggest that his strength comes not just from within, but from the relationships and connections that sustain him.

When the firemen appear, the man’s response is revealing: “He said, when / the firemen appeared, he said / I’m glad to see you, / glad not to be there alone.” This moment is pivotal in the poem, as it shifts the focus from the individual’s courage to the importance of human connection and support. The man’s relief at the arrival of the firemen is not just about physical safety; it’s also about emotional reassurance. His statement, “glad not to be there alone,” reflects a deeper, more universal truth about human vulnerability: in moments of crisis, what we most fear is isolation, and what we most long for is the presence of others.

The question “How old? Thirty, thirty-five?” introduces a reflection on the man’s age, adding a layer of introspection. The man is likely in the prime of his life—neither too young nor too old—and yet he is suspended in a moment that could determine his future. This reference to his age suggests that the man’s confidence, his good-natured faith, may come from experience or maturity. He is not reckless or foolhardy, but someone who has lived long enough to trust in others and to recognize the value of community in moments of peril.

The final lines, “He has friends to believe in, / those who love him,” bring the poem to a conclusion that focuses on the man’s relationships. In the end, the poem is less about the physical danger he faces and more about the emotional and social safety nets that sustain him. The man’s confidence and good-naturedness stem not only from his internal strength but also from the knowledge that he is loved and supported. This recognition—of having “friends to believe in”—serves as the ultimate source of his resilience. The idea that his friends and loved ones are integral to his survival suggests that human connection is the true foundation of strength, even in the most precarious situations.

Structurally, the poem’s short lines and lack of punctuation reflect Creeley’s typical minimalist style. The fragmented form mirrors the tension and uncertainty of the situation, with each line offering a small piece of the narrative without fully resolving it. This fragmentation creates a sense of immediacy, as if the reader is witnessing the events unfold in real time. The sparseness of the language allows the emotional weight of the scene to emerge without unnecessary embellishment, leaving the focus on the man’s demeanor and his connection to others.

In "Forty", Creeley explores themes of human vulnerability, courage, and the importance of community. The man at the center of the poem, hanging from a crane high above a burning building, is not just a figure of individual resilience but also a reminder of the fundamental need for connection in times of crisis. Through his good-natured faith, his reliance on the firemen, and his awareness of the love and support of his friends, the man embodies the idea that, in the end, it is our relationships with others that sustain us. Creeley’s sparse, direct language captures this moment of tension and relief, offering a meditation on the precariousness of life and the strength that comes from being part of a larger human community.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...