Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Bird, The Bird, The Bird" by Robert Creeley presents a meditation on connection, nature, and communication, blending personal reflection with broader existential questions. The repetition of "THE BIRD, THE BIRD, THE BIRD" in the title immediately draws attention to the centrality of the bird as a symbol, possibly representing nature, freedom, or the self in relation to the external world.

The opening line, "With the spring flowers I likewise am," establishes a unity between the speaker and the natural world, suggesting a shared essence or existence with the blossoming flora of spring. This identification with the spring flowers conveys a sense of renewal and connection to the cycles of nature, underscoring the poem's thematic exploration of belonging and existence within the natural order.

The statement "And care for them. That they have odor," extends this connection, implying not only a physical or superficial relationship with the flowers but also an appreciation for their intrinsic qualities, such as their scent. This care and attention to detail highlight the speaker's deep engagement with the world around them, valuing the sensory and ephemeral aspects of nature.

The reference to being "too garrulous" and the citation "Brugm. i. $638" invoke a sense of self-awareness and critique regarding communication and expression. The poem reflects on the human tendency to speak "not too much but too often," suggesting that the quality of silence or the unspoken might hold as much value as the words themselves. This idea resonates with themes of contemplation and the search for meaning beyond the superficial chatter that often characterizes human interaction.

The closing lines, "And yet, how otherwise to oblige the demon, who it is, there implacable, but content," introduce a paradoxical figure—the "demon"—which could symbolize internal conflict, creative drive, or existential angst. The speaker acknowledges the necessity of engaging with this "demon," despite its demanding or "implacable" nature, as a means of achieving contentment or fulfillment. This engagement might involve the act of creation, communication, or the simple acknowledgment of one's inner complexities and contradictions.

"The Bird, The Bird, The Bird" encapsulates a reflective journey through the themes of connection to nature, the value of silence and expression, and the internal negotiations with the self that define the human experience. Through the symbol of the bird and the motif of spring flowers, Creeley weaves a tapestry of thought that invites readers to contemplate their own relationship with the natural world, the act of communication, and the internal "demons" that drive and challenge them.