Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"All That is Lovely in Men" is a poem by Robert Creeley that was first published in 1960. The poem is a meditation on love and desire, and the often complicated nature of romantic relationships.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker expressing a sense of longing and desire for their lover, whom they describe in glowing terms as "lovely." The poem then shifts to a more conflicted tone, as the speaker expresses frustration and even anger towards their lover, who is described as "cruel" and "cold." Despite these negative emotions, the speaker continues to express a deep attachment to their lover and a sense of emotional vulnerability.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. The poem is structured as a series of short stanzas that build on one another, with a clear narrative arc.
• Imagery: The poem contains vivid sensory imagery that emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's emotions, particularly their longing and desire for their lover. The imagery is often sensual and evocative, highlighting the physical and emotional aspects of romantic relationships.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is conflicted, with the speaker expressing both intense desire and frustration towards their lover. The poem emphasizes the complexity of romantic relationships and the often contradictory emotions that they can evoke.
• Theme: The poem explores the themes of love, desire, and the complexity of romantic relationships. The poem highlights the intense emotions and vulnerabilities that are inherent in these relationships, as well as the challenges of navigating their often-conflicting demands.

Conclusion:

"All That is Lovely in Men" is a powerful and evocative meditation on love and desire, and the complex emotions that are inherent in romantic relationships. The poem highlights the intensity of these emotions, as well as the challenges of navigating the often-complicated demands of love and desire. Ultimately, the poem is a reminder of the emotional vulnerability that is inherent in all romantic relationships, and of the importance of understanding and accepting the complexity of these emotions.

Poem Snippet:

"All that is lovely in men,

that they promise

and that they are,

is like a woodland, a thicket,

in which one could lose oneself,

lose a path and lose a purpose,

and never want to return,

never believe one's direction

might be better served

by that promise or that man."