Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Parts: Snake Fish Bird," Robert Creeley crafts a meditation on the mysterious, interconnected forces of nature, blending elements of the snake, fish, and bird to capture a sense of primal evolution and transformation. Through his spare language, Creeley evokes a creature that defies clear categorization, representing instead a synthesis of earth, water, and air. This fusion of forms creates an entity that symbolizes adaptability and the deep-rooted connections across the natural world. The poem uses these animals to embody an “archaic evolving thing,” suggesting both the persistence and the fluidity of life across different environments and ages.

The opening line, “Archaic evolving thing,” introduces the subject as something both ancient and in constant transformation. By describing it as “archaic,” Creeley emphasizes its deep-rooted origins, as though this creature or force has existed since time immemorial. The term “evolving” juxtaposes this antiquity with a sense of continual change, suggesting that even the oldest elements of nature are in a state of flux. This duality reflects the essence of life itself—ancient in its origins but always adapting, adjusting to the demands of survival. The phrase “in all surface all beginning” implies that this entity encompasses both origin and present reality, as if it exists on multiple planes of existence, both as a starting point and as a constant presence in the natural world.

The line “not hair or any seeming simple / extension” hints at the creature’s unfamiliarity or otherworldliness. By excluding “hair” or “simple extensions,” Creeley suggests that this being does not fit easily within the familiar taxonomy of animals; it lacks the attributes we commonly associate with mammals or simple life forms. This rejection of conventional physical traits underscores its ambiguity, implying that the creature embodies something more elemental and less definable, an essence that exists beyond the usual boundaries of species. Creeley’s choice of “simple” suggests that this entity is complex and layered, as though its form is a composite of various evolutionary traits, blending characteristics from multiple origins.

The phrase “bring to mind pattern / of woven wetnesses” evokes an intricate, interconnected structure that mirrors the interdependence of nature’s various elements. The term “woven wetnesses” suggests water as a fundamental component, perhaps alluding to the fish, yet woven patterns could also imply scales, feathers, or even the skin of a snake. This imagery hints at the overlapping, interwoven characteristics of different species and environments, capturing the idea that life’s forms are not isolated but are instead interconnected, each influencing the other in subtle ways. This “woven” quality may also refer to the cyclical and recursive nature of evolution, as traits appear, disappear, and reemerge in various forms over time.

“Waste a streak / of wonder of evil tokens” introduces a sense of awe tinged with dread. The “streak of wonder” captures the fascination and mystery inherent in this creature, while the phrase “evil tokens” brings an element of foreboding, as though this entity holds both creation and destruction within it. The “tokens” of evil could refer to symbols or signs of danger, traits that provoke caution or fear. By intertwining wonder with hints of malevolence, Creeley taps into the dual nature of many natural creatures, particularly those like snakes, which are often associated with both wisdom and treachery. This ambiguity reflects humanity’s complex relationship with the natural world, where fascination and fear coexist.

The line “the underneath / beside ground’s depths spoken” suggests a connection to the hidden or subterranean. “The underneath” implies something buried or unseen, a part of nature that operates below the surface, influencing life without being immediately visible. This line could refer to the snake’s association with the earth, a creature that moves through low and hidden places. “Ground’s depths spoken” implies a kind of primal communication, as if the earth itself whispers or resonates with ancient knowledge. This phrase reinforces the idea that life’s fundamental truths are hidden beneath the visible world, existing in places we often overlook or ignore.

“Low in sight soundless in height” contrasts the depths with heights, capturing the creature’s dual nature as something that can move between realms. The “low in sight” suggests an association with the earthbound or grounded, while “soundless in height” implies a silent presence in the air. This line evokes the bird’s flight and the snake’s slithering, two vastly different forms of movement that coexist within this composite being. The phrase “soundless in height” emphasizes the silence and grace of a bird in flight, creating an image of an entity that moves across dimensions without disturbing its surroundings.

“Look past reflection see the light / flash of finned ripple wing” introduces a moment of clarity or revelation, as though looking beyond surface-level perception reveals a glimpse of something extraordinary. The “reflection” here could represent ordinary understanding or conventional appearances, while “the light / flash of finned ripple wing” hints at something far more complex and beautiful. The combined imagery of “fin,” “ripple,” and “wing” unites the snake, fish, and bird in a single flash, suggesting that each form contains elements of the others. This synthesis implies that life’s diverse manifestations are interconnected and fluid, with traits crossing species boundaries in ways that defy simple categorization.

“This ancient Fellow follow / to weather, to water, to earth” concludes the poem with an invitation to pursue this mysterious entity through various elements. Referring to the creature as “Fellow” creates a sense of companionship or kinship, as though this ancient force is both guide and companion in the exploration of nature. The phrase “to weather, to water, to earth” captures the elemental aspects of existence, suggesting that this being traverses all natural realms, from the air and water to the ground. This final line reflects the cyclical, interconnected nature of life, where each element sustains and influences the others, creating a continuous loop of transformation and renewal.

Structurally, "Parts: Snake Fish Bird" is fragmented and free-flowing, mirroring the fluidity and ambiguity of the creature it describes. Creeley’s sparse language and lack of punctuation allow each line to build upon the last, creating a layered effect that encourages multiple interpretations. This structure reinforces the poem’s exploration of evolution, adaptability, and the interconnectedness of life, as each line seamlessly shifts from one form or idea to another.

In "Parts: Snake Fish Bird," Robert Creeley uses the composite image of a creature that embodies traits of a snake, fish, and bird to explore themes of evolution, adaptation, and the timeless essence of life. Through rich, evocative language, he suggests that all creatures share a common ancestry and that nature’s forms are fluid, continuously adapting to the demands of survival across different environments. By capturing this creature’s movements and qualities, Creeley invites readers to consider the interconnectedness of life’s various forms and the mysteries that lie beneath familiar appearances. Ultimately, the poem speaks to the ancient, persistent forces that shape all life, urging readers to look beyond the surface and recognize the fundamental unity within the diversity of the natural world.

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