Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Song," Robert Creeley presents a stark meditation on identity, self-worth, and the concept of "home." With a tone that mingles resignation with introspection, Creeley grapples with the notion of personal value in a world that seems increasingly commercialized and fragmented. The poem captures the melancholy of feeling displaced or diminished, yet suggests an inner resolve to retain something meaningful despite external pressures.

The line “It still makes sense / to know the song after all” serves as a declaration of purpose. In Creeley’s poetic language, “the song” could represent an understanding of life’s essential truths, a personal narrative, or a unique set of values that one holds onto despite everything. By saying it “still makes sense,” Creeley acknowledges that, even amid confusion or loss, retaining this knowledge or this sense of self is important. It suggests a commitment to understanding or remembering something fundamental, even if it seems futile or outdated.

In the line “My wiseness I wear in despair of something better,” Creeley offers a complex view of wisdom. Here, “wiseness” is portrayed not as an empowering trait, but rather as a burden worn “in despair.” This phrasing suggests that wisdom has come at a cost—perhaps through disillusionment or a loss of innocence. The speaker’s wisdom is coupled with a sense of futility, as though his insight into life’s complexities has only led to disappointment or a recognition that there may be no ultimate “better” to hope for. This line captures the bittersweet nature of maturity, where understanding the world can sometimes bring about a deeper sense of despair.

The self-description “I am all beggar, I am all ears” reveals the speaker’s vulnerability and receptiveness. To be a “beggar” here might imply a sense of lacking, an emptiness or need that can only be filled by something outside oneself. The phrase “I am all ears” complements this vulnerability, suggesting a willingness to listen, absorb, and learn. Together, these descriptions paint a portrait of a speaker who is open yet yearning, someone who has not only accepted their own neediness but who also seeks connection, understanding, or guidance from others.

The line “Soon everything will be sold and I can go back home / by myself again” introduces a note of resignation. The mention of “everything” being sold evokes a world in which values, relationships, and even identity can be commodified. This commercialization implies a loss of authenticity, a sense that personal or meaningful aspects of life are being diminished or auctioned off. Yet, the speaker looks forward to going “back home,” suggesting a desire to retreat to a place of familiarity, even if it means solitude. Home here could signify a return to the self, a re-centering after the compromises and losses imposed by society.

The final words, “and try to be a man,” close the poem on a note of aspiration mixed with humility. This phrase implies that, despite the speaker’s wisdom and experiences, there remains an unfinished quest for identity or maturity. “To be a man” suggests a striving toward authenticity or integrity—a desire to fulfill an ideal of selfhood that may still feel elusive. The word “try” underscores the speaker’s awareness that this is a process, one that may never be fully achieved but is nonetheless worth pursuing.

In "The Song," Creeley explores themes of identity, wisdom, and the search for authenticity in a world that often devalues personal meaning. The poem captures a longing for understanding and a return to self, even as it acknowledges the limitations and disappointments of such a quest. Through its introspective tone, "The Song" invites readers to reflect on their own journeys, their own “songs,” and the value of holding onto something meaningful in the face of life’s complexities.

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