'The Mirror' by Robert Creeley
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Seeing is believing.
Whatever was thought or said,
these persistent, inexorable deaths
make faith as such absent,
our humanness a question,
a disgust for what we are.
Whatever the hope,
here it is lost.
Because we coveted our difference,
here is the cost.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Mirror by Robert Creeley: A Fascinating Exploration of Identity and Perception
When it comes to poetry, there are some pieces that stand the test of time and continue to inspire readers decades, even centuries, after they were written. One such poem is "The Mirror" by Robert Creeley. This short yet powerful piece is an exploration of identity, perception, and the relationship between the two.
At its core, "The Mirror" is a reflection on the nature of the self. The speaker of the poem looks into a mirror and sees not only their physical reflection, but also the inner workings of their mind. As the speaker notes, "I am in this / mirror, I am / not in this / mirror." This paradoxical statement highlights the complexity of the self and the duality of our experience of ourselves.
But the poem doesn't stop there. Creeley takes the exploration of the self a step further by introducing the idea of perception. The speaker notes that "the mirror / is not me." This suggests that our perception of ourselves is not necessarily accurate or true. We are not the sum total of our physical appearance or what we see in the mirror. Rather, our identity is a complex interplay of our inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
One of the most fascinating aspects of "The Mirror" is the way that Creeley uses language to convey his ideas. The poem is written in short, staccato lines that mimic the fragmented nature of our thoughts and perceptions. The speaker's thoughts seem to come in bursts, with each line building on the previous one to create a mosaic of ideas.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way that Creeley plays with space and time. The speaker notes that "I am in this / mirror," suggesting that they are somehow contained within the physical space of the mirror. But at the same time, the speaker notes that "I am / not in this / mirror," suggesting a disconnect between their physical body and their inner self.
This disconnect is further emphasized by the repetition of the word "not" throughout the poem. The speaker notes that they are "not in this / mirror," "not the mirror," and "not really there." This repetition creates a sense of unease and uncertainty, as if the speaker is struggling to come to terms with their own identity.
At the same time, however, there is a sense of acceptance in the poem. The speaker notes that "I am here," suggesting a willingness to confront their own identity and perceptions. This acceptance is further emphasized by the final lines of the poem, which read, "and / I am / not here." This suggests that the speaker has transcended their physical body and achieved a deeper understanding of themselves.
Overall, "The Mirror" is a fascinating exploration of identity, perception, and the relationship between the two. Creeley's use of language and imagery creates a powerful sense of introspection and self-discovery. And while the poem may be short, it packs a powerful punch that will resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Mirror by Robert Creeley is a classic poem that has been studied and analyzed by literary enthusiasts for decades. This poem is a perfect example of how a simple object like a mirror can be used to convey complex emotions and ideas. In this article, we will take a closer look at The Mirror and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a simple statement, "I look at it so much." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is introspective and reflective. The speaker is looking at a mirror and is fascinated by what he sees. He is not just looking at his reflection but is also examining the mirror itself. This is evident in the next line, "that I think it is a part of my heart." The speaker is so attached to the mirror that he feels it is a part of him.
The theme of identity is central to this poem. The speaker is not just looking at his reflection but is also examining his own identity. He is trying to understand who he is and how he fits into the world. This is evident in the line, "I see my face in it and then go on out of the room." The speaker is not satisfied with just looking at his reflection; he wants to explore the world and find his place in it.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poem a natural and conversational tone, which makes it easy to read and understand.
The use of literary devices in The Mirror is subtle but effective. The repetition of the phrase "I look at it so much" emphasizes the speaker's obsession with the mirror. The use of the word "heart" in the line "that I think it is a part of my heart" is a metaphor for the speaker's emotional attachment to the mirror. The use of the word "face" in the line "I see my face in it" is a metaphor for the speaker's identity.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker says, "I come back to it, wondering, / and I see how I am reflected / in everything else / in the world." This line suggests that the speaker has come to a realization about his identity. He has realized that he is not just reflected in the mirror but in everything else in the world. This is a profound realization that suggests that the speaker has found his place in the world.
In conclusion, The Mirror by Robert Creeley is a classic poem that explores the theme of identity. The speaker is obsessed with a mirror and uses it to examine his own identity. The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, and the use of literary devices is subtle but effective. The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful and suggests that the speaker has come to a profound realization about his identity. Overall, The Mirror is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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