Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Stafford?s "If I Could Be Like Wallace Stevens" is a contemplative and self-reflective poem that meditates on the nature of understanding, humility, and the pursuit of knowledge. By invoking Wallace Stevens—a poet known for his intellectual rigor and layered exploration of perception—Stafford aligns his own poetic aspirations with a commitment to curiosity and discovery. The poem employs the metaphor of the octopus to convey a model for engagement with the world, presenting a vision of inquiry that values experience over traditional notions of heroism or grandeur.

The opening line, "The octopus would be my model," establishes the central metaphor of the poem. The octopus, a creature associated with adaptability, intelligence, and a tactile way of interacting with its environment, becomes an emblem for the poet?s ideal approach to life. Unlike humans who might prioritize dominance or control, the octopus embodies an exploratory spirit, navigating "the rocks a hundred ways" with a blend of attentiveness and detachment. Its ability to "hold / Its head aloof but not ignoring" suggests a balance between observation and participation, an attitude that Stafford aspires to emulate.

Stafford elaborates on the octopus’s method of interaction, noting how "All its fingers value what / They find." This tactile engagement with the world reflects a deep attentiveness and appreciation for detail, qualities central to both the poetic and intellectual processes. The octopus becomes a metaphor for a mode of knowing that is grounded in direct experience and an openness to the unexpected. The anthropomorphized assertion, "I’d rather slime along than be heroic," underscores this humility, rejecting traditional notions of heroism in favor of a quieter, more authentic pursuit of understanding.

The speaker expresses a willingness to embrace vulnerability and imperfection in the search for knowledge: "My pride would be to find out; I’d / bow to see, play the fool, / ask, beg, retreat like a wave." These lines emphasize a humility that contrasts with the often rigid expectations of human pride. To "bow to see" suggests a posture of reverence and openness, while "play the fool" conveys an acknowledgment of one’s limitations and a readiness to learn from mistakes. The imagery of "retreat[ing] like a wave" evokes a natural rhythm of advance and withdrawal, reinforcing the idea that understanding is an iterative, non-linear process. This attitude aligns with the octopus’s fluid and adaptable nature, further grounding the speaker’s aspirations in the metaphor.

Stafford concludes the poem with a declaration of what he would hold onto amidst this exploratory approach: "but somewhere deep I’d hold the pearl, / never tell." The pearl, a symbol of hidden beauty and value, represents the insights or truths that arise from the poet’s engagement with the world. By choosing to "never tell," Stafford suggests that some discoveries are deeply personal, meant to be cherished privately rather than shared or exploited. This decision to keep the pearl "somewhere deep" aligns with the poem’s overall theme of humility, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge is not about public recognition or external validation but about a personal and intrinsic fulfillment.

Structurally, the poem mirrors its themes of exploration and flexibility. Written in free verse, it avoids rigid formal constraints, allowing Stafford to follow the natural rhythms of thought and language. The conversational tone and accessible diction invite the reader into the speaker’s meditative process, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and self-awareness over polished or performative poetic expression.

The title, "If I Could Be Like Wallace Stevens," situates the poem within a broader literary and philosophical tradition. Stevens, a master of abstraction and imagination, often explored themes of perception, the nature of reality, and the transformative power of the mind. By aligning himself with Stevens, Stafford signals his aspiration to emulate a similar depth of inquiry while maintaining his own grounded and tactile approach. The octopus, in this context, serves as an emblem of Stafford’s unique poetic ethos, complementing rather than replicating Stevens’ intellectual sophistication.

At its core, "If I Could Be Like Wallace Stevens" is a meditation on the virtues of curiosity, adaptability, and humility. Through the metaphor of the octopus, Stafford presents a model for engaging with the world that prioritizes experience and exploration over certainty and heroism. The poem invites readers to reconsider their own approaches to understanding, suggesting that the most profound insights are often found not in grand gestures but in quiet, persistent inquiry. In doing so, Stafford crafts a tribute to both Stevens and the enduring value of a life devoted to discovery.

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