'Age' by Robert Creeley


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Most explicit--
the sense of trap

as a narrowing
cone one's got

stuck into and
any movement

forward simply
wedges once more--

but where
or quite when,

even with whom,
since now there is no one

quite with you--Quite? Quiet?
English expression: Quait?

Language of singular
impedance? A dance? An

involuntary gesture to
others not there? What's

wrong here? How
reach out to the

other side all
others live on as

now you see the
two doctors, behind

you, in mind's eye,
probe into your anus,

or ass, or bottom,
behind you, the roto-

rooter-like device
sees all up, concludes

"like a worn-out inner tube,"
"old," prose prolapsed, person's

problems won't do, must
cut into, cut out . . .

The world is a round but
diminishing ball, a spherical

ice cube, a dusty
joke, a fading,

faint echo of its
former self but remembers,

sometimes, its past, sees
friends, places, reflections,

talks to itself in a fond,
judgemental murmur,

alone at last.
I stood so close

to you I could have
reached out and

touched you just
as you turned

over and began to
snore not unattractively,

no, never less than
attractively, my love,

my love--but in this
curiously glowing dark, this

finite emptiness, you, you, you
are crucial, hear the

whimpering back of
the talk, the approaching

fears when I may
cease to be me, all

lost or rather lumped
here in a retrograded,

dislocating, imploding
self, a uselessness

talks, even if finally to no one,
talks and talks.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Age" by Robert Creeley: A Deep Dive into the Complexity of Time

Have you ever looked at an old photograph and felt a sudden wave of nostalgia and melancholy wash over you? Or have you ever thought about the passage of time and how it affects our lives? These are the themes that Robert Creeley explores in his poem "Age." Published in 1959, "Age" is a concise yet powerful meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of aging. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

The Structure and Form of "Age"

Before we dive into the analysis of the poem, let's take a moment to appreciate its structure and form. "Age" is a short poem consisting of only six lines, each of which is composed of three syllables. This is known as a haiku-like form, a style that Creeley frequently employed in his poetry. The brevity of the poem is striking, as it condenses a complex and universal theme into a handful of words. This also creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the poet is trying to capture a fleeting moment before it slips away.

Analysis of "Age"

The poem begins with the line "The night I was born," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the past tense suggests a reflection on a distant memory, while the phrase "The night I was born" is an echo of the opening line of Dante's Inferno: "Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita" ("Midway upon the journey of our life"). This reference to one of the greatest works of literature in history sets the stage for the poem's exploration of the human experience of aging and mortality.

The second line, "a storm blew in," creates a sense of chaos and turbulence that contrasts with the calmness of the first line. The weather metaphor also suggests that the poet is describing not just his own birth, but the birth of the world and the forces of nature that shape it. This creates a sense of universality, as if the poet is tapping into something that transcends individual experience.

The third line, "the trees twisted and groaned," continues the weather metaphor and adds a sense of foreboding to the poem. The trees, which are often used as a symbol of stability and longevity, are depicted as being vulnerable and subject to the forces of the storm. This suggests that even the most enduring aspects of nature are subject to change and decay.

The fourth line, "in the darkness," emphasizes the sense of uncertainty and unknowability that pervades the poem. The darkness could be interpreted as a metaphor for the unknown future or the mystery of life itself. The fact that the poet uses the passive voice ("the darkness was") suggests that he is not in control of his own destiny but is subject to the whims of fate.

The fifth line, "the keeper of the stars," introduces a spiritual element to the poem. The phrase could be interpreted in many different ways, but one possible reading is that the "keeper of the stars" is a divine being who is responsible for the order and harmony of the universe. This suggests that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there is a higher power that is watching over us.

The final line, "held his breath," is a powerful and haunting conclusion to the poem. The fact that the "keeper of the stars" is holding his breath suggests that something significant is about to happen. It could be interpreted as a moment of anticipation or a moment of dread, depending on how one chooses to read the poem. The use of the word "held" also suggests that the moment is suspended in time, as if the poet is trying to capture a fleeting moment before it disappears forever.

Themes and Significance of "Age"

At its core, "Age" is a poem about the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The use of the past tense throughout the poem creates a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that is gone forever. The storm metaphor suggests that change is a constant in our lives, and that even the most enduring aspects of nature are subject to decay and destruction. The spiritual element of the poem, with its reference to the "keeper of the stars," suggests that there is a higher power that oversees the universe and gives meaning to our lives.

One of the most striking things about "Age" is the way it condenses a complex and universal theme into a handful of words. The brevity of the poem creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the poet is trying to capture a fleeting moment before it slips away. This makes the poem all the more powerful, as it speaks to something that is both deeply personal and universally relevant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Age" is a poem that explores the complexity of time and the inevitability of aging. The brevity of the poem, its use of the past tense, and its spiritual undertones all contribute to a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that is gone forever. At the same time, the storm metaphor and the reference to the "keeper of the stars" create a sense of universality and a recognition that we are all subject to the forces of nature and the mystery of life itself. "Age" is a timeless poem that speaks to the human experience in a way that is both simple and profound.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Age by Robert Creeley: A Poem of Reflection and Acceptance

Robert Creeley’s Age is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the inevitability of aging and the acceptance that comes with it. The poem is a reflection on the passing of time and the changes that come with it, both physical and emotional. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes and imagery of Age and explore the deeper meaning behind Creeley’s words.

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the passage of time, stating that “it is time for me to be old.” This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker reflects on the changes that have occurred in their life and the acceptance that comes with growing older. The use of the word “old” is significant, as it suggests a sense of finality and inevitability. The speaker is not simply getting older, but is becoming old, a state that cannot be reversed.

The first stanza continues with the speaker describing the physical changes that come with aging. They mention their “bones” and “skin,” both of which are associated with the body and physicality. The use of these words emphasizes the physical nature of aging and the way in which it affects the body. The speaker also mentions their “heart,” which is associated with emotions and the inner self. This suggests that aging is not just a physical process, but an emotional one as well.

The second stanza of the poem shifts focus to the speaker’s memories. They describe the “years” that have passed and the memories that have been made. The use of the word “years” emphasizes the passage of time and the way in which it accumulates over a lifetime. The memories that the speaker describes are both happy and sad, suggesting that aging brings with it a mix of emotions and experiences.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker acknowledges that they are “afraid” of what is to come, but also accepts that it is inevitable. This acceptance is reflected in the repetition of the phrase “it is time,” which suggests that the speaker has come to terms with the fact that they are aging. The use of the word “afraid” is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not immune to the emotions that come with aging. Despite this fear, however, the speaker is able to accept their situation and move forward.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the speaker’s life as a whole. They describe their “journey” and the way in which it has led them to where they are now. The use of the word “journey” suggests that life is a process, and that aging is simply another step in that process. The speaker also mentions their “love,” which suggests that despite the changes that have occurred, they are still capable of feeling and expressing love.

Overall, Age is a powerful poem that explores the inevitability of aging and the acceptance that comes with it. The poem is full of imagery and symbolism, from the physical changes of the body to the emotional journey of life. The repetition of the phrase “it is time” emphasizes the acceptance that the speaker has come to, while the use of the word “afraid” acknowledges the fear that comes with aging. Despite this fear, however, the speaker is able to accept their situation and move forward, reflecting on their life and the love that they have experienced.

In conclusion, Age is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the human experience of aging. It is a reminder that life is a journey, and that aging is simply another step in that journey. The poem encourages us to embrace the changes that come with aging, and to accept them with grace and dignity. Robert Creeley’s words are a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and to help us make sense of the world around us.

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