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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Robert Creeley’s poem “Thanks” is a tribute both intimate and reverent, filled with a deep appreciation for Eddie, a friend whose complexities and humanity make him unforgettable. Creeley paints a vivid character portrait in a few short lines, touching upon Eddie’s unique qualities and idiosyncrasies. He celebrates Eddie’s character with affection, capturing the loyalty, humor, and honesty that define their friendship. By describing Eddie as “not unsteady when drunk, just thoughtful,” Creeley turns what might be seen as a flaw into a virtue, emphasizing his friend’s contemplative nature even in moments of inebriation. This subtle inversion reflects the poet’s deep respect for Eddie, suggesting that his friend possesses a mind that remains insightful and profound, regardless of his state. Creeley’s admiration for Eddie’s “mind [that] can remember in the blur / his own forgotten line” implies an enduring sharpness and self-awareness that transcends the ordinary. This memory, even in the haze of drinking, becomes a testament to Eddie’s strength of character and identity. His confidence, even in situations where others might falter, such as “in the traffic at Cambridge,” adds to this impression, showing a person who is unapologetically himself. The line “I’m Catholic, I’m queer, I’m a poet” captures Eddie’s complexity and self-acceptance in a society that may judge him for these identities. By quoting Eddie directly, Creeley brings his friend’s voice and self-declaration into the poem, giving readers a direct glimpse of his defiance, pride, and authenticity. The repetition of “God bless him, God love him” reads almost like a prayer or an invocation, underscoring Eddie’s importance to Creeley. This phrase suggests a plea for divine protection or grace, as if Eddie’s existence, full of contradictions and beauty, deserves safeguarding. Furthermore, Eddie becomes a figure who “saves you time, saves you money, takes on the burden of your own confessions,” casting him as a confessor or redeemer. In this role, Eddie assumes a kind of spiritual importance for Creeley, one that goes beyond friendship. He is a confidant who lightens the emotional weight of the poet’s burdens, embodying both practical and emotional support. Creeley’s gratitude extends to the small gestures Eddie offers, like the “cigarettes he gave me someone else had left.” This line encapsulates Eddie’s generosity and resourcefulness; he takes something left behind and passes it along, creating value in what might otherwise be discarded. It reflects Eddie’s ability to transform the mundane into something meaningful, a quality Creeley appreciates deeply. In closing, Creeley expresses his commitment to Eddie’s conversation, promising to “listen as I’ve learned to, and drink and think again” with him. This dedication to listening is a mark of respect and love; it signifies the poet’s readiness to immerse himself in Eddie’s world and thoughts, to value his words as part of the “true, the good, the dead.” Here, Creeley links Eddie to concepts of truth, goodness, and mortality, suggesting that Eddie embodies these ideals in his own unique way. The phrase “the dead” hints at a memento mori, a reminder of mortality, which could suggest that Eddie is either deceased or that Creeley is acknowledging the transient nature of life and friendship. It is an acknowledgment of the preciousness of these shared moments, their value heightened by the knowledge that they will not last forever. In “Thanks,” Creeley crafts a poignant, layered homage to a friend who is more than just a companion; Eddie is a source of wisdom, comfort, and inspiration, embodying a blend of humor, resilience, and humanity. Through his portrayal, Creeley affirms the importance of relationships that provide solace and meaning, expressing gratitude for the kind of friendship that brings light, understanding, and enduring significance into his life.
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