A Note on Robert Creeley, New England, and “This”

Abstract

This article analyzes the connection between poet Robert Creeley's New England roots and his poetic philosophy, exemplified by his use of the word 'this.' The paper explores how Creeley's Yankee identity shaped his ability to find wonder in the present moment, as demonstrated in his poetry. This study examines Creeley's upbringing in rural Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and his lifelong connection to the region. The author contends that Creeley's work embodies a Baconian emphasis on empirical observation over Emersonian idealism, reflecting a New England tradition of precision and specificity. The article argues that Creeley's gesture of approbation toward Atatürk in İzmir exemplifies his ability to engage with other cultures on their own terms. This work investigates how Creeley's poetic philosophy represents a distinctively Yankee approach to art and life.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)