Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Creeley's poem "Think" is a poignant reflection on memory, the act of storytelling, and the inevitable erosion of clarity over time. With only a few short lines, Creeley captures a sense of urgency and the fragility of the mind, suggesting that there is value in preserving one's thoughts and experiences before they fade away. The poem’s brevity mirrors its theme, as if Creeley himself is racing against time to convey this essential message with as few words as possible.

The opening command, "Tell the story," conveys both encouragement and urgency, as if the speaker is urging someone to share their memories and experiences while they still can. The phrase implies that the act of storytelling is essential, perhaps even a duty, to capture one’s life before it is lost to the passage of time. It suggests that memories and personal narratives hold a significant weight, containing meaning or wisdom that should be shared and preserved. This line resonates with the universal human impulse to pass down stories, to connect with others through shared experiences, and to ensure that a part of oneself endures through words.

The phrase "’fore your mind goes" introduces the inevitable decline of memory and cognition. This colloquial phrasing adds a sense of intimacy, as if the speaker is addressing a loved one or an elder directly. "’Fore" has a casual, almost gentle tone, softening the stark reality it conveys. The idea that the mind can "go" underscores the transitory nature of memory and awareness, reminding us that mental clarity is not permanent. This line captures a familiar fear—the fear of forgetting, of losing oneself as memories begin to slip away. By urging the subject to tell their story before this decline, Creeley emphasizes the value of preserving one’s identity and experiences while they are still intact.

The final line, "voice coming back in faded tatters," evokes the image of a voice that has lost its fullness and clarity. "Faded tatters" suggests fragments, incomplete pieces of memory or narrative that can no longer convey the whole story. The word "faded" implies that these memories are not only incomplete but also diminished, as if time has drained them of their vibrancy and detail. "Tatters" implies damage or disintegration, emphasizing the idea that as memories age, they become frayed, harder to piece together into a coherent whole. This line reflects the frustration and sorrow that often accompany aging and memory loss, where once-clear recollections are reduced to hazy, scattered remnants.

Structurally, "Think" is composed of just three lines, but its brevity amplifies its emotional impact. The poem's economy of language reflects a sense of urgency, as if time itself is pressing down on each word. The enjambment creates a natural pause after each line, giving the reader space to reflect on the weight of each phrase. Creeley's use of simple, direct language allows the theme of memory and storytelling to resonate powerfully, without the need for elaborate imagery or complex syntax.

Through "Think," Creeley captures the bittersweet nature of memory and the passage of time. The poem serves as both a reminder and a call to action, urging the reader to preserve their own stories while they still have the capacity to do so. In the end, "Think" speaks to a universal experience—the desire to hold onto one's identity, to make sense of one’s past, and to pass something meaningful on to others. The poem is a meditation on the fragility of the mind and the importance of preserving the threads of memory before they unravel into "faded tatters."

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