Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Smoke," Robert Creeley meditates on absence, memory, and the ephemeral nature of relationships and existence. The poem’s language is reflective and somewhat melancholy, capturing a speaker's longing for connection and the inevitable dissolution of things—both physical and emotional. Through subtle yet evocative imagery, Creeley explores the notion of transience, using smoke as a central metaphor to illustrate the fleeting and intangible quality of human bonds and experiences.

The opening line, “Again in space, elsewhere,” establishes a sense of displacement. The use of “again” suggests that this is a familiar feeling for the speaker, as if they are frequently caught in moments of separation or isolation. “Elsewhere” implies a state of being that is detached from a tangible, shared reality; it signifies a place outside of the present, where thoughts drift and emotions linger in an undefined space. This feeling of displacement serves as a foundation for the speaker’s introspective journey, setting a tone of detachment and introspection.

The phrase “displaced as they say, an envoi to you” introduces a sense of departure or sending off. An “envoi” typically refers to a concluding verse or a farewell, suggesting that the speaker is composing a parting thought or tribute to someone absent. This word choice conveys both finality and reverence, as if the speaker is acknowledging the distance between them and the person they address while still feeling compelled to reach out. The act of creating an envoi implies an attempt to communicate or preserve a connection, even as it fades into memory.

“Thinking of you, delaying / direct thought perhaps, since you aren't here” captures the ambivalence of the speaker’s longing. The admission of “delaying direct thought” hints at an avoidance of fully confronting the reality of the person’s absence, as if doing so might intensify the feeling of loss. The line “since you aren’t here” is simple yet profound, underscoring the physical absence that permeates the speaker’s experience. This statement reflects a quiet resignation, acknowledging the undeniable fact of separation without the possibility of bridging it.

The line “weren’t more than substantial the last sight of you” suggests a lingering memory that feels both vivid and insubstantial. Describing the last memory of this person as “substantial” conveys that, at that moment, they felt fully real and present, yet the phrase “weren’t more than” implies a fleeting quality, as if even their most concrete presence was somehow transient. This duality captures the tension between presence and absence, solidity and impermanence, as the speaker grapples with the memory of someone who feels both tangible and elusive.

The speaker’s question—“why shouldn't there be / the possibility of many lives, all lived / as one”—introduces a philosophical musing on the nature of existence and connection. This line reflects a yearning for continuity or unity across experiences and lifetimes, as if the speaker wishes for a way to keep the person with them in some form, despite the separation. The idea of “many lives, all lived as one” suggests a desire for an unbroken bond that transcends individual moments and embraces a more enduring connection. It’s a wistful consideration, as if hoping for a reality where relationships aren’t limited by physical presence or singular encounters.

However, the speaker quickly counters this hope with a confession of disbelief: “I don’t know, I don’t, can’t, believe it.” This statement brings the reader back to a sense of grounded reality, where idealized notions of endless connection seem unrealistic. The speaker’s repeated “don’t” and “can’t” reveal their internal conflict, expressing both doubt and frustration at their own inability to believe in such an enduring connection. The phrase “want you there, here, be with me” reflects a raw desire for closeness and presence, emphasizing the speaker’s longing for a tangible connection that transcends distance.

The word “Smoke” stands alone, marking a transition and emphasizing its significance as a metaphor. Smoke is a byproduct of burning, a physical manifestation of something being consumed or transformed. It rises and dissipates, symbolizing both presence and absence, as it exists only briefly before it is carried away by the air. This image reflects the speaker’s understanding of connection and memory: intense and real in the moment but ultimately transient, dissolving into nothingness.

The following lines—“comes of burning, lifts in the air that signal, / fades away, blown, taken”—capture the full arc of smoke’s existence, from its creation to its disappearance. “Comes of burning” suggests that the connection or memory the speaker holds is fueled by an internal fire, perhaps love or passion, yet it is this very intensity that leads to its consumption. Smoke “lifts in the air” as a signal, representing a form of communication or acknowledgment of existence. However, it inevitably “fades away,” a reminder of the impermanence of all things. The words “blown, taken” emphasize the lack of control over this process, as the smoke—like memories or relationships—is subject to forces beyond one’s grasp.

In "Smoke," Robert Creeley uses the imagery of smoke to explore themes of longing, memory, and the ephemerality of human connections. The poem reflects on the simultaneous intensity and impermanence of relationships, suggesting that, like smoke, they can be both beautiful and fleeting. Through his introspective and melancholy language, Creeley captures the ache of separation and the desire for a lasting bond, even as he acknowledges the inevitability of dissolution. Ultimately, "Smoke" is a meditation on the fragility of connection and the acceptance of impermanence, offering a poignant reminder of the beauty and transience of human experiences.

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