Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "What (2)," Robert Creeley reflects on solitude, introspection, and the search for meaning in an almost pastoral scene. With his characteristic minimalist style, Creeley creates an atmosphere that is both tranquil and haunting, exploring the desire to retreat into nature to find clarity, only to confront the emptiness that introspection sometimes reveals. The poem's setting—a solitary path in the woods—serves as a metaphor for the inner journey, while the speaker's reflective tone underscores the existential questions that arise in moments of solitude.

The poem begins with a question: "What would it be / like walking off / by oneself down / that path in the / classic woods." This opening establishes an air of curiosity and a sense of yearning. The speaker imagines what it might feel like to leave society behind and embark on a solitary journey into nature, a path that is "classic" and archetypal. The phrase "classic woods" evokes an idealized natural setting, a place often associated with timeless reflection, peace, and personal insight. By positioning the woods as "classic," Creeley implies a universality to this desire for solitude in nature; many people seek the quiet of the woods as a place to confront their thoughts without distraction.

As the poem continues, Creeley enhances this idyllic scene, describing the "light / lift of breeze" and the "softness / of this early evening." These sensory details bring a gentle, almost comforting quality to the imagined setting. The "light lift of breeze" suggests a peaceful, calming influence, a sensation that reinforces the appeal of solitude in nature. The evening light and soft breeze create an atmosphere of ease, one that invites introspection without force or urgency. Creeley’s language here captures a moment of transition between day and night, symbolizing a liminal space where the speaker can pause and reflect. The time of day—early evening—suggests a quieting, a moment when the world begins to settle, mirroring the speaker’s own desire to slow down and turn inward.

The phrase "and / you want some time / to yourself to think" shifts the focus from the external environment to the speaker's internal state. This line reveals that the speaker is drawn to solitude not merely for its aesthetic appeal, but because they are seeking a mental space to process their thoughts. The need to "think / of it all again / and again" suggests a restless, perhaps unresolved, contemplation. There is a sense that the speaker has been here before, both physically and mentally, and that the woods serve as a recurring backdrop for reflection. The repetition implied in "again / and again" points to a cyclical or obsessive nature of thought—a struggle to make sense of something elusive or to find closure that continually evades them.

In the closing lines, Creeley introduces an unexpected note of emptiness: "an / empty ending?" This abrupt shift disrupts the serenity established in the previous lines. After building up an idealized scene of peace and introspection, the poem concludes with a question that implies a sense of futility or existential doubt. The phrase "empty ending" suggests that the speaker fears their journey inward may not lead to any meaningful conclusion. Despite the comfort and beauty of the natural setting, there remains the possibility that all this reflection could ultimately be void of purpose or insight. The question mark at the end underscores the uncertainty and openness of this conclusion, inviting the reader to ponder whether solitude and introspection can provide true understanding, or if they sometimes reveal a disheartening emptiness.

Structurally, "What (2)" is a compact, free-verse poem, with each line contributing to the slow unfolding of the speaker's thoughts. The short lines and lack of punctuation create a sense of fluidity, as if the poem itself is a gentle, continuous flow of thought mirroring the soft, flowing atmosphere of the woods. The lack of clear breaks or punctuation allows the lines to blend into one another, much like the merging of thoughts during quiet contemplation. This open structure reflects the speaker’s own wandering mind, reinforcing the idea that solitude and introspection are not linear processes but meandering paths that may or may not lead to answers.

In "What (2)," Creeley captures the allure of retreating into nature to seek understanding, while also acknowledging the potential for such introspection to reveal only more questions. The woods offer a space for contemplation, but they do not guarantee comfort or insight. Through his evocative yet restrained language, Creeley explores the tension between the beauty of solitude and the existential void that can accompany it. The poem suggests that while we may seek time alone to "think / of it all," this process is inherently uncertain, and we must be prepared for the possibility that our inner journeys might end in an "empty ending."

Ultimately, "What (2)" presents a nuanced view of solitude. While the speaker is drawn to the peaceful, timeless appeal of the woods, they are also haunted by the fear that self-reflection may lead to emptiness rather than understanding. Creeley’s poem captures the complex emotions that accompany the search for meaning—a blend of longing, beauty, and doubt. Through its gentle yet probing tone, "What (2)" reminds readers that while nature and solitude can provide a respite from the distractions of daily life, they can also confront us with the vast, unresolved questions that linger at the edges of human consciousness.

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