'I Know A Man' by Robert Creeley
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As I sd to my
friend, because I am
always talking,--John, I
sd, which was not his
name, the darkness sur-
rounds us, what
can we do against
it, or else, shall we &
why not, buy a goddamn big car,
drive, he sd, for
christ's sake, look
out where yr going.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I Know A Man" by Robert Creeley: A Poem of Human Connection and Isolation
Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions of life, disconnected from the world around you? Have you ever longed for a deeper connection with another person, only to find yourself caught in an endless cycle of small talk and surface-level interactions? If so, you're not alone. These themes of human connection and isolation are at the heart of Robert Creeley's classic poem, "I Know A Man."
The Poem
"I Know A Man" is a short, free verse poem that consists of just three stanzas. Despite its brevity, however, the poem is packed with meaning and emotion.
The first stanza establishes the speaker's sense of disconnection from the world around him:
As I sd to my friend, because I am always talking,—John, I
The speaker acknowledges his own tendency to talk too much, but it's clear that his words are not always meaningful or authentic. He is "always talking" but is he really communicating with others? It's easy to feel lonely in a world where everyone is talking but no one is really listening.
The second stanza introduces the titular "man" of the poem:
sd, which was not his name, the darkness sur- rounds us, what can we do
The speaker doesn't know the man's name, but he still feels a sense of connection to him. They are both lost in the darkness, both searching for some sort of meaning or purpose in life. The repetition of the word "surrounds" emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the darkness, and the rhetorical question "what can we do" highlights the speaker's sense of helplessness.
The final stanza offers a glimmer of hope:
against it, we are still lost, helpless, scattered souls, as thin as air
The speaker and the man may be lost and helpless, but they are not alone. They are "scattered souls" but they are still connected, still breathing the same air. The image of souls as "thin as air" is both beautiful and haunting, emphasizing the fragility of human connection.
Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? What is Creeley trying to say with this poem? There are a few different ways to interpret "I Know A Man," but here are a few possibilities:
1. The Poem is About Alienation
One of the most obvious themes of the poem is alienation. The speaker feels disconnected from the world around him, and even though he talks a lot, he doesn't feel like he's really connecting with anyone. This sense of isolation is only emphasized by the darkness that surrounds him and the man he knows.
2. The Poem is About the Search for Meaning
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is about the search for meaning. The darkness that surrounds the speaker and the man may represent the uncertainty and confusion that can come with trying to find one's place in the world. The fact that they are "scattered souls" suggests that they are searching for something, but they don't know what it is or how to find it.
3. The Poem is About the Fragility of Human Connection
Finally, the poem may be about the fragility of human connection. Even though the speaker and the man are connected in some way, they are still "lost, helpless, scattered souls." The image of souls as "thin as air" suggests that human connection is delicate and easily broken. It's a reminder that we should cherish the moments of connection we have with others, because they may not last forever.
Conclusion
"I Know A Man" may be a short poem, but it is one that resonates deeply with readers. It speaks to the universal human experience of feeling disconnected and alone in a world that can be confusing and overwhelming. At the same time, it offers a glimmer of hope by reminding us that we are all connected, even in our darkest moments. Whether you interpret the poem as a meditation on alienation, the search for meaning, or the fragility of human connection, one thing is clear: "I Know A Man" is a poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Know A Man: A Poem of Freedom and Rebellion
Robert Creeley's poem "I Know A Man" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of freedom and rebellion. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and the desire to break free from the constraints of society. It is a powerful statement of individuality and the need to live life on one's own terms.
The poem is a conversation between two friends, the speaker and the man he knows. The speaker is trying to convince the man to take a risk and break free from the monotony of his life. He urges the man to "go all the way" and embrace the unknown. The man, on the other hand, is hesitant and afraid. He is comfortable with his routine and is not willing to take a chance.
The poem is written in a free verse style, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and urgency, as if the speaker is trying to convince the man in real-time. The poem is also very short, with only 12 lines, but it packs a powerful punch. Each line is carefully crafted and carries a lot of weight.
The poem begins with the speaker saying, "I know a man / who gave up smoking, drinking, sex, / and his life was never the same again." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The man in question has given up all the vices that society deems as immoral or unhealthy, but his life has not improved. This is a commentary on the idea that society's rules and regulations do not necessarily lead to happiness or fulfillment.
The next line, "He walks his lawn, / carves his name on trees," is a metaphor for the man's mundane existence. He is content with his routine and does not seek adventure or excitement. The speaker, however, sees this as a waste of life. He urges the man to "go all the way" and break free from his routine.
The line "He does his deed of ownership / and goodness knows / how much he wants his privacy" is a commentary on the idea of ownership and privacy. The man is obsessed with owning things and keeping his life private. This is a reflection of the materialistic and individualistic nature of society. The speaker, however, sees this as a hindrance to true freedom.
The line "I know a woman who became a man" is a reference to gender identity and the idea of breaking free from societal norms. The woman in question has rejected her assigned gender and has embraced her true identity. This is a powerful statement of individuality and the desire to live life on one's own terms.
The line "She went to bed one night / and woke up the next morning / and there she was / a man" is a metaphor for the transformative power of rebellion. The woman has undergone a radical transformation and has become a new person. This is a reflection of the idea that rebellion can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
The final lines of the poem, "So / I go on down the road / and I see this man / and he's got no shirt on / and I say 'What's the matter?' / and he says 'I forgot.'" are a powerful statement of rebellion and freedom. The man with no shirt on has forgotten the constraints of society and is living life on his own terms. This is a celebration of individuality and the desire to break free from the norms of society.
In conclusion, "I Know A Man" is a powerful poem that celebrates the human spirit and the desire to break free from the constraints of society. It is a statement of rebellion and freedom that encourages us to live life on our own terms. The poem is a testament to the transformative power of rebellion and the importance of individuality. It is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and empower generations to come.
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