Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s "Ho Ho" is a short but dense reflection on freedom, departure, and the contrast between personal liberation and the indifference of others. The poem captures a fleeting moment of transcendence as the speaker embarks on a solitary journey that feels both literal and metaphysical. Using spare, direct language, Creeley evokes themes of existential isolation, movement, and the tension between seriousness and dismissiveness in the face of life's mysteries.

The poem opens with the line “I have broken / the small bounds / of this existence,” which sets an immediate tone of release or escape. The speaker claims to have broken out of the “small bounds” of ordinary life, suggesting a movement beyond mundane constraints or limitations. These “small bounds” evoke a sense of confinement, a life that is narrow or constrained by routine or the expectations of others. The speaker’s declaration of having “broken” these bounds implies a deliberate and forceful act of liberation, positioning this journey as a conscious departure from previous restrictions.

The next lines—“and / am travelling south / on route 90”—shift the focus from this abstract sense of freedom to a more concrete, geographical image. The mention of “travelling south” and the specificity of “route 90” give the journey a real-world grounding, suggesting an actual road trip. However, this journey feels like more than just physical travel. Heading “south” carries symbolic weight, traditionally associated with warmth, exploration, or even escape from the cold realities of the north. The choice of “route 90” adds an additional layer of specificity, hinting at a preordained path or direction that the speaker is following. It conveys a sense of purposeful movement, as if the speaker has chosen a route that leads away from their past life.

The lines “It / is approximately / midnight, surrogate / earth time” deepen the sense of surreal detachment. Midnight is a liminal hour, neither fully night nor day, suggesting a transition between states of being or consciousness. Referring to it as “surrogate / earth time” indicates that the speaker is aware of existing outside conventional notions of time or reality. The word “surrogate” implies a substitution or a stand-in, as if this temporal marker is merely a placeholder for something deeper or more profound. This moment at midnight, on a journey south, becomes a threshold between one state of existence and another.

The poem then addresses another person: “and you / who could, can, and / will never take anything / seriously.” This shift introduces a contrast between the speaker and the “you” they are addressing, someone who is characterized by their inability or unwillingness to engage with life’s deeper meaning. The repetition of “could, can, and / will never” reinforces the finality of this person’s dismissiveness, emphasizing their refusal to take anything seriously. This distinction highlights the speaker’s own departure from this mindset, as if breaking free from these “small bounds” also means separating from people who remain indifferent or unengaged with the profound.

The line “will die / as dumb as ever” carries a sharp, almost scornful tone, suggesting the speaker’s frustration or disdain for this lack of seriousness. To “die as dumb as ever” implies that this person’s failure to grasp deeper truths or to seek meaning is not just a current state but a final, unchangeable condition. The speaker, in contrast, is depicted as someone who has chosen to break free from this indifference and embark on a journey of discovery or transcendence.

The final lines—“while I alone in / state celestial shoot / forward at designed rate, / speed at last unimpeded”—convey a sense of exhilaration and liberation. The phrase “state celestial” suggests a state of being that is elevated, transcendent, or otherworldly, contrasting sharply with the grounded indifference of the person left behind. The word “shoot” conveys both velocity and purpose, as if the speaker is being propelled forward by something greater than themselves. The use of “designed rate” implies that this journey is not random but follows a specific plan or trajectory, hinting at a sense of destiny or a higher calling.

The poem concludes with the line “speed at last unimpeded,” which reinforces the idea of breaking free from constraints. The speaker’s journey is no longer hindered or slowed down by external forces or internal doubts; they are moving forward with clarity and purpose. The phrase “at last” suggests that this freedom has been a long time coming, emphasizing the significance of the moment.

Structurally, "Ho Ho" is characteristic of Creeley’s minimalist style, with short, fragmented lines that reflect the speaker’s direct, introspective voice. The poem’s sparse language creates a rhythm that mirrors the sense of movement and urgency in the speaker’s journey. The lack of punctuation and enjambment allows the lines to flow into one another, reinforcing the idea of unimpeded progress and continuous motion.

Overall, "Ho Ho" is a meditation on personal liberation, existential purpose, and the contrast between seriousness and indifference. The poem’s title, with its playful repetition of “Ho Ho,” adds a note of irony or lightness, contrasting with the deeper themes explored within. This juxtaposition suggests that the speaker’s journey, while profound and liberating, is also something to be embraced with a sense of wonder or humor, rather than weighed down by gravity or solemnity.

In conclusion, Robert Creeley’s "Ho Ho" captures a moment of breaking free from the confines of ordinary life and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Through its minimalist language and contrasting imagery, the poem explores the themes of freedom, seriousness, and the desire to transcend mundane existence. The speaker’s sense of exhilaration and clarity contrasts with the indifference of those left behind, highlighting the importance of embracing life with purpose and intensity. In its simplicity and directness, "Ho Ho" invites readers to reflect on their own journeys and the choices that propel them forward.

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