Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Maxine W. Kumin’s "Credo" is a testament to her deep reverence for the natural world, her connection to animals, and her commitment to living harmoniously with the earth. This poem embodies a philosophy rooted in gratitude, respect, and wonder, expressed through Kumin’s characteristic clarity and lyrical imagery. In "Credo," Kumin seamlessly interweaves myth, personal experience, and natural observation, offering readers a glimpse into a worldview that honors the interconnectedness of all life forms.

The poem begins with an invocation of belief, as Kumin states, “I believe in magic.” This declaration sets the tone for a meditation that moves between the mystical and the tangible. The reference to the Kiowa legend, where a boy transforms into a bear, introduces a theme of metamorphosis and the fluid boundaries between human and animal realms. This mythological framework anchors the poem’s exploration of the natural world, suggesting that the extraordinary exists within the ordinary.

Kumin’s imagery shifts to the natural cycles of New Hampshire, where the “wet knob of trillium” becomes a harbinger of spring. The trillium, “knocking in April at the underside of earth’s door,” symbolizes renewal and resilience. This image underscores Kumin’s belief in the persistence of life, even in the face of winter’s dormancy. The connection to her environment is deeply personal, as she situates the poem within the specific geography of her farm, where bears hibernate and the land begins to awaken.

The second stanza expands on Kumin’s philosophy of coexistence. Her act of “topdressing the garden for winter” becomes a ritual of gratitude, an acknowledgment of the earth’s sustenance. The “black crumbles of ancient manure” and the “wet strings of earthworms” evoke a tactile intimacy with the soil, reflecting her respect for the intricate processes that sustain life. This connection extends to her relationship with the bears that share her land. Kumin’s decision to “cede him a swale of chokecherries in August” illustrates her willingness to share space with these wild creatures, recognizing their right to exist alongside her.

Kumin’s interactions with her horses reveal another layer of her philosophy. She describes the “magic” of their movements, their “ballet of nip and jostle,” and their galloping energy. Her trust in these animals, symbolized by their shared breath, reflects a profound bond built on mutual respect. The horses’ behavior mirrors the natural world’s unpredictability and grace, qualities that Kumin both admires and embraces. This relationship underscores her belief in the sanctity of the human-animal connection, as well as the importance of approaching these encounters with humility and reverence.

Throughout the poem, Kumin’s language conveys a sense of awe and gratitude. Her description of the earth’s “summer plumes of carrots” and “masses of tendrils” captures the abundance and vitality of the natural world. These details root her beliefs in the tangible, grounding her philosophical reflections in the sensory richness of her environment. The imagery of growth and harvest reinforces her commitment to living “on grateful terms with the earth,” a phrase that encapsulates her ethos.

The closing lines of the poem return to the theme of transformation and grace. Kumin celebrates the “acrobatics of boy into bear,” a metaphor for the fluidity and resilience inherent in life. Her belief in the “thrust to go on” reflects an enduring optimism, even in the face of life’s challenges. This sentiment resonates with her broader vision of coexistence, in which humans, animals, and the earth are bound together in a shared cycle of renewal.

"Credo" is a deeply personal and philosophical poem that encapsulates Kumin’s worldview. Her belief in magic, not as a supernatural force but as the extraordinary present in everyday life, permeates the text. Through her vivid imagery and intimate tone, Kumin invites readers to consider their own relationship with the natural world, encouraging a sense of wonder and responsibility. The poem’s strength lies in its ability to bridge the mythic and the mundane, offering a vision of life that is both grounded and transcendent. In "Credo," Kumin affirms the beauty and complexity of existence, celebrating the interconnectedness of all living things and the resilience of the natural world.

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