Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley's "They (2)" is a contemplative exploration of distance, persistence, and the inevitability of slowing down. The poem uses sparse language and a minimal structure to capture a sense of striving toward an elusive goal, only to face the gradual recognition of futility and exhaustion. Through images of running, walking, and slowing down, Creeley reflects on the limits of human effort and the inevitability of time's influence on even the most persistent pursuits.

The poem opens with a simple, yet ambiguous line: "They were trying to catch up." This phrase immediately introduces a sense of pursuit, of striving toward something that remains just out of reach. The word "trying" suggests effort and intent but also implies that success is uncertain. The use of "they" as an undefined group gives the poem a universal quality, as if the speaker is observing a shared human experience rather than a specific, individual struggle. This opening line creates an image of people reaching toward something—a goal, an ideal, or even another person—without the assurance that they will ever close the gap.

The phrase "But from the distance / between them" introduces the idea of separation. The "distance between them" suggests that the gap may not only be physical but also emotional or existential, representing the separation that exists even with close connections. The following line, "one thought / it would be a long time," hints at a moment of realization, as if someone within this group has recognized the improbability of closing this distance. This recognition suggests a dawning awareness of the limitations imposed by space, time, or circumstances. The gap between them is not easily bridged, and even the desire to do so may not be enough to overcome the obstacles.

The phrase "even with persistent / running" captures the paradox of effort in the face of futility. The "persistent running" implies a constant, determined effort to close the distance, yet this persistence does not guarantee success. The speaker’s choice to mention running but imply that it has not brought them closer suggests that there are limits to what effort can achieve, particularly when faced with insurmountable obstacles. The word "persistent" reflects a commitment to the pursuit, yet it also emphasizes the unchanging nature of the distance between them, implying that no amount of running will bring them closer to their goal.

The transition from running to walking in "They were walking / slower and slower" suggests a loss of momentum, as if the initial energy and determination have faded over time. This slowing down implies an acceptance, or at least a recognition, of their limitations. Walking "slower and slower" reinforces the inevitability of exhaustion, as if their initial pace could not be sustained indefinitely. This gradual deceleration reflects the natural progression of human effort—an acknowledgment that despite our best intentions, we are bound by the physical and emotional limits that prevent us from maintaining constant forward motion. The repetition of "slower and slower" conveys a sense of surrender, as if the drive to catch up is giving way to the reality of exhaustion.

The final phrase, "for hours and hours," extends this image of deceleration over an indefinite period, emphasizing the prolonged nature of their journey. "For hours and hours" suggests that this slow pace is not a temporary pause but a sustained, continuous state. The repetition of "hours" gives the impression of a seemingly endless stretch of time, as if the act of slowing down has become their new reality. This closing line leaves the reader with a sense of ongoing struggle, where time stretches on without resolution, and the pursuit itself has become almost an exercise in endurance rather than a means of reaching a destination.

Structurally, "They (2)" uses short, enjambed lines that slow down the pace of reading, mirroring the gradual deceleration described in the poem. Each line break creates a pause, inviting the reader to linger on each phrase and absorb the feeling of fatigue that permeates the text. Creeley’s choice of simple, unembellished language allows the poem’s central themes of distance, effort, and slowing down to resonate without distraction, reinforcing the sense of quiet resignation that defines the poem.

In "They (2)," Creeley captures the human experience of striving toward a goal that remains out of reach, only to be confronted by the limits of persistence and time. The poem suggests that while the desire to "catch up" may fuel initial efforts, there comes a point when the recognition of distance and the inevitability of slowing down reshape the journey. Ultimately, "They (2)" reflects on the gradual acceptance of limitations and the quiet endurance required to continue moving forward, even as the pace becomes slower and the destination remains uncertain.

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