'Song' by Robert Creeley


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What I took in my hand
grew in weight. You must
understand it
was not obscene.

Night comes. We sleep.
Then if you know what
say it.
Don't pretend.

Guises are
what enemies wear. You
and I live
in a prayer.

Helpless. Helpless,
should I speak.
Would you.
What do you think of me.

No woman ever was,
was wiser
than you. None is
more true.

But fate, love, fate
scares me. What
I took in my hand
grows in weight.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Song by Robert Creeley: A Study of the Poem's Structure and Theme

Introduction

Robert Creeley is an American poet associated with the Black Mountain School of poetry. His poem Song, published in 1962, is a quintessential example of the minimalist style of poetry that Creeley is known for. In this essay, I will analyze the poem's structure and theme, discussing how Creeley's use of language and syntax contributes to its meaning.

Analysis

Structure

The poem Song consists of two stanzas, each with three lines. The simplicity of the structure is a hallmark of Creeley's style. The poem's brevity and clarity make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. But despite its apparent simplicity, the poem is rich with meaning.

Theme

The poem's theme is the fleeting nature of love and the pain that comes with its loss. The first stanza describes the speaker's relationship with their lover. The second stanza describes the pain of separation. The poem's title, Song, suggests that the speaker is expressing their feelings through music.

Syntax

Creeley's use of syntax in the poem is crucial to its meaning. The first line of each stanza is a statement. The second line is a question. The third line is a repetition of the first line. The repetition of the first line emphasizes the theme of the poem: that even though love is fleeting, the memory of it lingers on.

Line-by-Line Analysis

Let's analyze the poem line by line.

You're my love
    and my life--
Still--

The first line is a declaration of love. The second line is a statement of the importance of this love to the speaker. The repetition of "still" in the third line suggests that the love is still present, but perhaps fading.

I'm your timid
    naked one--
Still--

The first line of the second stanza is a declaration of the speaker's vulnerability. The second line is a statement of their dependence on their lover. The repetition of "still" suggests that despite the pain of separation, the speaker still longs for their lover.

Imagery

Creeley's use of imagery in the poem is minimal but effective. The use of the word "timid" in the second stanza suggests the speaker's vulnerability. The use of the word "naked" suggests their openness to their lover. The simplicity of the imagery reflects the simplicity of the structure and syntax.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Creeley's poem Song is an excellent example of the minimalist style of poetry. The structure, theme, syntax, and imagery all contribute to the poem's meaning. The poem's brevity and clarity make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem's theme of the fleeting nature of love and the pain of separation is a universal theme that resonates with readers. Overall, Song is a powerful and poignant poem that demonstrates the power of concise language and structure in poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Song by Robert Creeley: A Masterpiece of Minimalism

Robert Creeley is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his minimalist style and his ability to convey profound emotions with just a few words. His poem "Song" is a perfect example of his unique approach to poetry, and it has become a classic of the genre. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.

The poem "Song" consists of just three lines, each containing only two words:

"Come, go. Stay, leave. Desire, regret."

At first glance, these lines may seem simple and straightforward, but they contain a wealth of meaning and emotion. Let's take a closer look at each line and explore its significance.

The first line, "Come, go," is a powerful expression of the transience of life. It suggests that everything is in a constant state of flux, that nothing stays the same for long. The words "come" and "go" imply movement, change, and impermanence. They also suggest the idea of choice, of being able to decide whether to stay or to leave. This line can be interpreted as a reflection on the human condition, on the fact that we are all travelers on a journey that will eventually come to an end.

The second line, "Stay, leave," is a continuation of the theme of choice and transience. It suggests that we are always faced with decisions, with the need to choose between staying in one place or moving on to something new. The words "stay" and "leave" also imply a sense of attachment and detachment, of being connected to something or someone but also being able to let go. This line can be seen as a reflection on the complexities of human relationships, on the fact that we are always balancing our desire for connection with our need for independence.

The third line, "Desire, regret," is a powerful expression of the human experience. It suggests that we are always torn between our desires and our regrets, between what we want and what we have lost. The words "desire" and "regret" also imply a sense of longing and nostalgia, of wanting something that we can never have again. This line can be interpreted as a reflection on the human condition, on the fact that we are always searching for something that we may never find.

The structure of the poem is also significant. The use of short, simple lines creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, as if the poet is speaking directly to the reader. The repetition of the words "come," "go," "stay," and "leave" creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, as if the poem is moving forward like a song. The use of just three lines also creates a sense of economy and precision, as if every word has been carefully chosen for maximum impact.

The language of the poem is also worth exploring. The use of verbs instead of nouns creates a sense of action and movement, as if the poem is urging the reader to do something. The use of opposites, such as "come" and "go," "stay" and "leave," and "desire" and "regret," creates a sense of tension and conflict, as if the poem is exploring the complexities of the human experience. The use of short, simple words also creates a sense of accessibility and universality, as if the poem is speaking to everyone.

In conclusion, "Song" by Robert Creeley is a masterpiece of minimalist poetry. Its three short lines contain a wealth of meaning and emotion, exploring themes of transience, choice, attachment, detachment, desire, and regret. The structure and language of the poem create a sense of immediacy, intimacy, rhythm, momentum, economy, precision, action, movement, tension, conflict, accessibility, and universality. It is a poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and unforgettable way, and it will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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