Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley’s "New Year’s Resolution" explores the cyclical nature of self-improvement and the paradoxes embedded within the desire to change. Through a reflection on the act of making resolutions, Creeley meditates on the human tendency to strive for growth, only to encounter the complexities and contradictions that often undermine these aspirations. The poem’s candid and introspective tone captures both the determination and the resignation that accompany the urge to improve, while ultimately acknowledging the shared, imperfect nature of this pursuit. The simplicity of the language belies the depth of the questions Creeley raises about self-acceptance, inclusion, and the universal struggle to create meaningful change.

The opening lines—"What one might say / wanting to do it, / hoping to solve it, / make resolution"—express the familiar process of setting intentions, particularly at the beginning of a new year. The phrase "wanting to do it" reveals the speaker’s desire to make a change, suggesting an earnest commitment to self-improvement. However, the subsequent phrase, "hoping to solve it," introduces a more complex dimension; this is not merely about setting a goal but about addressing an issue or personal challenge that the speaker feels needs resolution. The phrase "make resolution" encapsulates the traditional New Year’s ritual, implying both the formation of a firm intention and the act of making oneself more resolved or complete. This language reveals the dual purpose of resolutions: to overcome personal obstacles and to bring oneself closer to an ideal of wholeness.

The line "You break it to bits, / swallow the pieces" conveys the frustration and futility often associated with resolutions. The imagery of "breaking to bits" and "swallowing the pieces" suggests a kind of self-cannibalization, where the resolve to change is ultimately consumed by one’s own limitations. This act of "swallowing the pieces" reflects a resigned acceptance of the difficulty inherent in transforming oneself, as if the speaker must internalize the shattered fragments of their goal rather than achieving the cohesive outcome they envisioned. This image also implies a painful or bitter process, hinting at the emotional cost of repeatedly trying—and failing—to meet one’s own standards.

The phrase "finally quit quitting" is a striking paradox, capturing the contradiction that lies at the heart of many resolutions. It suggests an attempt to stop the cycle of making and abandoning commitments, as if the speaker has come to terms with their own tendency to give up. This line reflects the exasperation and self-awareness that come with repeated failure, as well as the irony of resolving to be more resolute. The follow-up phrase, "accept it, forget it," suggests a release of expectations, implying that true change might come not from forcing oneself to be different but from letting go of the need to be perfect or complete. The act of "forgetting" here carries a dual meaning: to let go of past failures and, perhaps, to embrace the present moment without the weight of self-judgment.

The rhetorical question "But what world is this / has such parts, / or makes even thinkable / paradoxic new starts" introduces a broader reflection on the nature of existence and the contradictory conditions that make resolutions so difficult. By questioning "what world" would allow for such contradictions, Creeley suggests that the desire to reinvent oneself is both a product of and a reaction to the complexities of life itself. The phrase "paradoxic new starts" highlights the inherent contradiction of resolving to begin anew, only to encounter the same internal and external obstacles. This paradox resonates with the cyclical nature of New Year’s resolutions, where each turn of the calendar brings the promise of a fresh start that is simultaneously burdened by past failures and unchanging realities.

The line "Turn of the year / weighs in the cold" emphasizes the emotional weight of these reflections, particularly in the context of winter, a season traditionally associated with introspection and dormancy. The word "weighs" conveys the heaviness of self-evaluation, as if the passage of time itself bears down on the speaker, adding pressure to their aspirations. This seasonal imagery not only captures the traditional timing of New Year’s resolutions but also reflects the isolation and quiet contemplation that often accompany winter, underscoring the introspective nature of the speaker’s reflections.

The poem concludes with a more hopeful, inclusive aspiration: "Still, try again / to be common, human, / learn from all / how to be one included." This shift in tone suggests a move away from personal ambition toward a collective understanding of self. By expressing the desire to be "common, human," the speaker acknowledges the shared nature of these struggles, recognizing that the quest for self-improvement is universal. The phrase "learn from all" implies a willingness to engage with others’ experiences and to draw wisdom from shared humanity, suggesting that true growth may come not from isolated efforts at self-perfection but from embracing one’s place within a broader human community. The final line, "how to be one included," carries a profound message about belonging and acceptance, as if the ultimate goal of self-improvement is not to transcend human flaws but to find connection and solidarity within them.

Structurally, "New Year’s Resolution" follows Creeley’s minimalist style, with short, enjambed lines that create a sense of immediacy and movement. This structure mirrors the fragmented nature of resolutions themselves—pieces of intention that are often broken and reassembled in various forms. The poem’s form reflects the cyclic, iterative process of making and abandoning resolutions, as each line builds upon the last, capturing the ebb and flow of hope and resignation. This minimalist style also allows the reader to linger on each phrase, considering the layered meanings within Creeley’s language.

Thematically, "New Year’s Resolution" explores the dual nature of self-improvement, where the desire for change is often tempered by the inevitability of imperfection. By examining the paradoxes of resolutions and the contradictions within the human psyche, Creeley captures the complex interplay between hope and acceptance, ambition and humility. The poem ultimately suggests that while resolutions may often fail, the effort itself—and the recognition of shared human experience—is valuable. In embracing both personal limitations and collective understanding, the speaker finds a path toward acceptance that transcends the need for perfection.

In conclusion, Robert Creeley’s "New Year’s Resolution" is a thoughtful meditation on the nature of self-improvement and the paradoxes that accompany the human desire for change. Through minimalist language and vivid imagery, Creeley captures the universal experience of setting goals, facing setbacks, and ultimately finding acceptance within the shared struggles of humanity. The poem suggests that true growth may come not from achieving perfection but from embracing one’s common, imperfect humanity, inviting readers to reconsider the purpose and meaning behind their own resolutions. Ultimately, "New Year’s Resolution" reflects the beauty and humility of striving, accepting, and learning to belong within the broader human experience.

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