'A Form Of Women' by Robert Creeley

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I have come far enough
from where I was not before
to have seen the things
looking in at me from through the open door

and have walked tonight
by myself
to see the moonlight
and see it as trees

and shapes more fearful
because I feared
what I did not know
but have wanted to know.

My facd is my own, I thought.
But you have seen it
turn into a thousand years.
I watched you cry.

I could not touch you.
I wanted very much to
touch you
but could not.

If it is dark
when this is given to you,
have care for its content
when the moon shines.

My face is my own.
My hands are my own.
My mouth is my own
but I am not.

Moon, moon,
whn you leave me alone
all the darkness is
an utter blackness,

a pit of fear,
a stench,
hands unreasonable
never to touch.

But I love you.
Do you love me.
What to say
when you see me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Form Of Women: An Exploration of Robert Creeley's Poem

When it comes to poetry, reading between the lines is both an art and a science. The words on the page offer a surface level interpretation, but the true beauty and meaning of a poem lies in the depths of its metaphorical and symbolic language. In Robert Creeley's poem "A Form of Women," the speaker muses on the complexities and mysteries of the female form. With just 10 short lines, Creeley manages to capture the essence of femininity and the enigma that it represents. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of "A Form of Women" to uncover the deeper meaning behind the words.

The Poem

Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a look at the poem itself:

A form
Of women
I have not
Gone as flowers
Drifting at times
Like clouds
And I have seen
The lady
Whose voice is
The wind.

At first glance, this poem appears to be a simple observation of women as a physical form. But as we examine each line more closely, we begin to uncover the nuances and complexities that lie beneath the surface.

The Themes

The themes of "A Form of Women" are multi-faceted and deeply intertwined. At its core, the poem is an exploration of femininity and womanhood. The speaker is captivated by the form of women, but is also acutely aware of their intangible qualities that make them so enigmatic. The references to flowers and clouds suggest a sense of fragility and transience, while the wind represents the elusive nature of femininity.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of perception. The speaker notes that he has "not gone" as flowers, suggesting that he has not experienced the world in the same way as women. This highlights the idea that our experiences shape our perceptions of the world around us. The speaker's limited experience of femininity means that he can only observe and wonder at its mysteries.

The Imagery

Imagery is a crucial component of any poem, but it is especially important in "A Form of Women." Creeley uses vivid and evocative language to paint a picture of femininity that is both beautiful and elusive. The references to flowers and clouds create a sense of delicacy and fragility, while the wind represents the intangible and ethereal qualities of womanhood.

The use of the word "form" in the poem is also significant. Rather than describing women as a physical body, the speaker uses the word "form" to suggest something more abstract and intangible. The word "form" also has connotations of shape and structure, suggesting that there is a certain order and symmetry to femininity.

The Language

Creeley's use of language in "A Form of Women" is sparse but effective. The short, staccato lines create a sense of urgency and immediacy, while the repetition of the word "I" emphasizes the speaker's personal observations and experiences. The use of enjambment also creates a sense of fluidity and movement, echoing the imagery of flowers and clouds.

The language in the final line of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker notes that he has "seen" the lady whose voice is the wind, suggesting that he has had a moment of clarity or understanding about the enigma of femininity. The use of the word "seen" also implies a sense of revelation or epiphany, as if the speaker has suddenly gained a new perspective on the world around him.

Interpretation

So, what does all of this mean? What is Creeley trying to say with "A Form of Women?" Ultimately, the poem is an exploration of the complexities and mysteries of femininity. The speaker is captivated by the form of women, but also recognizes the intangible qualities that make them so elusive.

At its core, "A Form of Women" is a meditation on the limitations of human perception. The speaker notes that he has not experienced the world in the same way as women, suggesting that our experiences shape our perceptions of the world around us. The poem suggests that there are certain aspects of life that are simply beyond our comprehension, and that the mysteries of femininity are one such example.

Conclusion

In "A Form of Women," Robert Creeley offers a poignant and evocative meditation on the complexities of femininity. Through his use of vivid imagery and sparse, powerful language, Creeley invites us to ponder the mysteries of the female form and the limitations of human perception. The poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most enduring enigmas of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Form of Women: An Analysis of Robert Creeley's Classic Poem

Robert Creeley's poem "A Form of Women" is a classic piece of literature that has been studied and analyzed by scholars for decades. The poem, which was first published in 1962, is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the complexities of human relationships and the nature of love.

At its core, "A Form of Women" is a poem about the struggle to understand and connect with others. The speaker of the poem is grappling with his own feelings of isolation and loneliness, and he is searching for a way to bridge the gap between himself and the women in his life. Throughout the poem, Creeley uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the speaker's emotions and to explore the complexities of human relationships.

One of the most striking aspects of "A Form of Women" is the way that Creeley uses language to create a sense of tension and unease. The poem is full of short, choppy sentences and fragmented phrases, which give the impression of a mind that is struggling to make sense of the world around it. The speaker's thoughts and emotions are jumbled and confused, and the language reflects this sense of disorientation.

For example, in the opening lines of the poem, the speaker says:

"I have come to the borders of sleep, The unfathomable deep Forest where all must lose Their way, however straight, Or winding, soon or late; They cannot choose."

These lines are full of contradictions and paradoxes. The speaker is at once at the "borders of sleep" and in a "deep forest," suggesting a sense of liminality and uncertainty. He speaks of losing one's way "however straight, or winding," which suggests that there is no clear path or direction in life. The phrase "They cannot choose" is particularly powerful, as it suggests a sense of helplessness and resignation in the face of life's uncertainties.

Throughout the poem, Creeley uses vivid imagery to convey the speaker's emotions and to explore the complexities of human relationships. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker says:

"I have come to the borders of sorrow, Where the body is thrown into the tomb, Where like all spirits it is tried By terrible and unknown events."

These lines are full of powerful imagery that conveys a sense of loss and despair. The speaker speaks of the body being "thrown into the tomb," which suggests a sense of finality and inevitability. He also speaks of the spirit being "tried by terrible and unknown events," which suggests a sense of struggle and hardship.

The poem also explores the complexities of love and desire. The speaker is clearly drawn to the women in his life, but he is also aware of the difficulties and challenges that come with these relationships. For example, in the third stanza, he says:

"I have come to the borders of desire, Where the body begins to sway back and forth And the soul is carried away By the wind of love that bears it First to one shore, then another."

These lines are full of powerful imagery that conveys a sense of the speaker's desire and longing. The phrase "the wind of love that bears it" is particularly striking, as it suggests a sense of passion and intensity that is beyond the speaker's control.

Overall, "A Form of Women" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of human relationships and the nature of love. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Creeley conveys a sense of the speaker's emotions and struggles, and he invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences of love and desire. This is a classic piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to Creeley's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

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