'Myself' by Robert Creeley
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What, younger, felt
was possible, now knows
is not - but still
not chanted enough -
Walked by the sea,
unchanged in memory -
evening, as clouds
on the far-off rim
of water float,
pictures of time,
smoke, faintness -
still the dream.
I want, if older,
still to know
why, human, men
and women are
so torn, so lost,
why hopes cannot
find better world
than this.
Shelley is dead and gone,
who said,
"Taught them not this -
to know themselves;
their might could not repress
the mutiny within,
And for the morn
of truth they feigned,
deep night
Caught them ere evening . . ."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Myself by Robert Creeley: A Deep Dive Into the Mind of the Poet
If there were one word to describe Robert Creeley's poem "Myself," it would be "intimate." The poem is a window into the poet's mind, and it is a journey that takes the reader through the deepest parts of Creeley's thoughts and emotions. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in the poem, and try to understand why it is considered a classic in American poetry.
Theme
The theme of "Myself" is self-awareness. The poem is a reflection on the self, and it is an exploration of the poet's identity. Creeley uses the poem to delve into his own mind and examine his thoughts, feelings, and experiences. He is on a quest to understand himself, and the poem is the vehicle for that exploration.
The poem is also an examination of the human condition. Creeley uses his own experiences and emotions to explore universal themes such as love, loss, and the search for meaning. The poem is not only about the poet's self, but it is also about the self in relation to the world. Creeley is trying to understand his place in the world, and he is using his own experiences to do so.
Structure
The structure of "Myself" is simple, yet effective. The poem is made up of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The lines are short and concise, and the poem is written in free verse. The lack of rhyme and meter gives the poem a sense of naturalness and authenticity. It is as if Creeley is speaking directly to the reader, without any pretense or artifice.
The simplicity of the structure is deceptive, however. The poem is full of subtle shifts and changes that give it a sense of movement and progression. Each stanza builds on the previous one, and there is a sense of momentum that carries the poem forward. The poem is like a journey, and the structure reflects that journey.
Language
The language of "Myself" is simple, yet powerful. Creeley uses everyday language to express complex emotions and ideas. The language is direct and honest, and there is a sense of intimacy that comes through in the words. The poem is like a conversation between the poet and the reader, and the language reflects that intimacy.
Creeley also uses repetition to great effect in the poem. The phrase "I know" is repeated throughout the poem, and it adds a sense of certainty and conviction to the words. The repetition gives the poem a sense of rhythm and music, and it adds to the emotional impact of the words.
Interpretation
The poem begins with the line "I know a man," and this sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Creeley is not just talking about any man, he is talking about himself. The poem is a reflection on the self, and the use of the third person is a way for Creeley to distance himself from his own emotions and experiences. He is able to look at himself objectively, and this allows him to explore his own identity in a deeper way.
The first stanza of the poem is a description of the man that Creeley knows. He is a man who is "bruised by light," and this is a metaphor for the pain that he has experienced in his life. The man is also someone who is "silent" and "patient," and this suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance. The use of these adjectives creates a sense of atmosphere and mood, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The second stanza of the poem is an exploration of the man's emotions. He is someone who has loved deeply, and who has also experienced loss. Creeley uses the metaphor of a "dead bird" to describe the man's heart, and this is a powerful image that conveys a sense of emptiness and sadness. The man is also described as someone who is "trembling," and this suggests a sense of vulnerability and fragility. The second stanza is one of the most emotive in the poem, and it is a testament to Creeley's ability to express complex emotions through simple language.
The third stanza of the poem is an examination of the man's identity. He is someone who is "infinitely curious," and this suggests a sense of intellectual curiosity and openness. The man is also someone who is "prepared to die," and this suggests a sense of acceptance and resignation. The use of these contrasting adjectives creates a sense of tension and ambiguity, and it adds to the complexity of the poem.
The final stanza of the poem is a conclusion to the journey that Creeley has taken the reader on. He has examined the man's emotions and identity, and he has come to a conclusion about himself. The final line of the poem is "I am that man," and this is a powerful statement of self-awareness. Creeley is able to look at himself objectively, and he is able to see himself in the man that he has described. The poem is a journey of self-discovery, and the final line is a moment of self-realization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Myself" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of self-awareness and the human condition. Creeley uses his own experiences and emotions to delve into the deepest parts of his own mind, and he is able to express complex ideas and emotions through simple language. The poem is a journey of self-discovery, and it is a testament to the power of introspection and self-reflection. "Myself" is a classic in American poetry, and it is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Myself by Robert Creeley: A Deep Dive into the Human Psyche
Robert Creeley's poem "Myself" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that delves deep into the human psyche. The poem is a reflection on the self, the nature of existence, and the human condition. It is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that has captivated readers for decades.
The poem is composed of 12 lines, each with a distinct meaning and purpose. The first line, "I know a man," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is introducing us to someone he knows, someone who is important to him. The use of the word "man" is significant because it implies that the person being referred to is a mature and experienced individual.
The second line, "as real as you or me," is a statement of fact. The speaker is telling us that this man is just as real as anyone else. This line is important because it establishes the man's existence and his place in the world.
The third line, "you are alone," is a powerful statement that speaks to the human condition. The speaker is telling us that no matter how many people we know or how many friends we have, we are ultimately alone. This line is a reminder that we are all individuals with our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
The fourth line, "you are on your own," is a continuation of the previous line. The speaker is telling us that we are responsible for our own lives and that we must make our own decisions. This line is a call to action, urging us to take control of our lives and make the most of our time on earth.
The fifth line, "you are the one," is a powerful statement that speaks to the importance of the self. The speaker is telling us that we are the most important person in our lives. This line is a reminder that we must take care of ourselves and prioritize our own needs.
The sixth line, "who shall say you are not," is a question that challenges the notion of reality. The speaker is asking us to consider the possibility that our perception of reality may not be accurate. This line is a call to question our assumptions and beliefs.
The seventh line, "the one sole audience," is a reminder that we are the only ones who truly know ourselves. The speaker is telling us that we are the only ones who can judge our own actions and decisions. This line is a call to be true to ourselves and to live our lives in a way that is authentic and genuine.
The eighth line, "the one who knows," is a statement of fact. The speaker is telling us that we are the only ones who truly know ourselves. This line is a reminder that we must be honest with ourselves and acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses.
The ninth line, "and there is no other," is a continuation of the previous line. The speaker is telling us that there is no one else who can truly know us. This line is a reminder that we must take responsibility for our own lives and not rely on others to define us.
The tenth line, "and never will be," is a statement of finality. The speaker is telling us that no one else will ever truly know us. This line is a reminder that we must be true to ourselves and not try to be someone we are not.
The eleventh line, "the one," is a powerful statement that speaks to the importance of the self. The speaker is telling us that we are the most important person in our lives. This line is a reminder that we must take care of ourselves and prioritize our own needs.
The twelfth and final line, "and only," is a statement of finality. The speaker is telling us that we are the only ones who truly know ourselves. This line is a reminder that we must be true to ourselves and live our lives in a way that is authentic and genuine.
In conclusion, Robert Creeley's poem "Myself" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that delves deep into the human psyche. The poem is a reflection on the self, the nature of existence, and the human condition. It is a reminder that we are all individuals with our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. We are responsible for our own lives and must make our own decisions. We are the most important person in our lives and must prioritize our own needs. We are the only ones who truly know ourselves and must be true to ourselves and live our lives in a way that is authentic and genuine.
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