Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Hilda Morley';s poem "For Creeley" is a deeply personal homage to Robert Creeley, evoking a sense of admiration, friendship, and gratitude for his presence and character. The poem weaves together memories of Creeley’s demeanor, voice, and spirit while reflecting on the lasting impact he has had on those around him. Morley’s tribute explores the layers of connection she feels with Creeley, touching on their shared experiences and the unspoken bonds that tie people together through time. The tone is intimate and reflective, with Morley using her unique free-verse style to draw out the complex emotions that accompany such a long-standing relationship.

The poem begins by situating us in a specific time—"the spring of ’54"—and place, "North Carolina," which immediately brings to mind the pivotal years Creeley spent at Black Mountain College, a place of great significance for his development as a poet. The reference to the “wet beginning” of spring serves as a symbolic backdrop, suggesting new growth and renewal. It mirrors the early phase of their relationship and perhaps the beginnings of Creeley’s artistic journey at Black Mountain.

Morley then shifts to describe Creeley’s physical and emotional presence at that time, emphasizing his "wandering minstrel" appearance, a phrase that evokes the image of a traveling bard or storyteller. This characterization suggests that Creeley, even in his youth, possessed a nomadic spirit, someone whose life was devoted to language, art, and movement. His "hooded eye," which asks "really for nothing except to be / listened to," reflects his quiet, introspective nature. Creeley, known for his minimalist style and careful attention to language, is described here as someone whose essence is rooted in a deep desire for understanding rather than material demands.

Morley also recalls Creeley’s "extreme courtesy," something she notes as being rare in "that particular place." This "courtesy" becomes an important aspect of how she remembers him—a kind of understated kindness that she associates with his personality. His "passion for Miles Davis" signals Creeley';s intense, though often understated, engagement with art and culture, with jazz—a form known for its complexity, innovation, and improvisation—serving as a fitting metaphor for Creeley’s poetic sensibilities. The "intensity withheld" and "gentleness of manner" Morley describes capture the balance Creeley strikes between emotion and restraint, passion and subtlety. These qualities are what "marked" him during that time, as Morley observes his character emerging not only through his words but through his physical presence—something she ties to his "hands & feet," symbols of groundedness and movement.

As the poem shifts to the present or more recent past, Morley notes the distance that has since come between them: "After / that time only bits of news, glimpses." This acknowledgment of their intermittent contact over the years adds a layer of nostalgia, as Morley reflects on how their friendship has endured despite the gaps. The simple, direct line from Creeley over the phone—“What can I / do for you?”—reveals his continued generosity and concern, a trait that surprises and touches her. The immediate, unselfish offer of help is "startling" to Morley in its "goodness," reinforcing her image of Creeley as someone who approaches life and relationships with genuine kindness and openness.

The motif of "hands & feet" reappears, this time transformed into an image of "someone / mounting a wave & descending / from it." This metaphor of surfing suggests both balance and surrender, a way of moving through life’s unpredictable currents with grace. It also speaks to Creeley’s poetic method—riding the wave of language and thought, always poised between moments of rising intensity and calm reflection.

In the latter half of the poem, Morley shifts to a more introspective tone, meditating on the depth of Creeley’s understanding and how it extends to others, particularly "the man I lived with." She reflects on the "kinship" between Creeley and her partner, noting how Creeley’s ability to "reach toward him" with empathy and insight is a source of wonder for her. This connection between men is not fully explained, but it is clear that Morley sees it as profound and meaningful. Her gratitude for Creeley’s ability to "hear" and "see" her partner’s "outreaching truth" reveals her deep appreciation for his capacity to understand others on a fundamental level. This speaks to the intuitive and perceptive nature of Creeley, who seems able to tap into the core of human experience without needing elaborate explanations.

The final stanza of the poem brings Morley’s reflection full circle, as she expresses her gratitude for Creeley’s presence in her life: "I’m grateful that / you’re there, winding, unwinding / inside this coil of life." The metaphor of "winding" and "unwinding" evokes the complexity of existence, the continuous process of experiencing and reflecting, much like the cyclical nature of time and relationships. Morley is grateful not only for Creeley’s friendship but for his ability to bring lightness to even the darkest moments: "that you can make me laugh when / I’m dismayed." His insights, which "delight" her, offer both intellectual and emotional sustenance.

The poem concludes with an acknowledgment of the fullness of Creeley’s life and character: "I’m grateful / for the arc of you, / all that has emerged out of / that first image: / wandering minstrel." The "arc" of Creeley’s life, from the "wandering minstrel" she first encountered to the wise, compassionate friend he has become, is something Morley appreciates deeply. She sees the trajectory of his life as something remarkable, filled with growth, generosity, and resilience.

In "For Creeley," Morley captures the essence of Robert Creeley as a man whose quiet intensity, kindness, and thoughtfulness have left an indelible mark on her life. Through her precise and layered language, she pays tribute to his ability to navigate the complexities of existence with both grace and humor, and she expresses her gratitude for the way he continues to touch the lives of those around him. The poem is a celebration of friendship, memory, and the enduring impact of a life lived with intention and care.

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