Body, Breath, World: Robert Creeley’s Phenomenological Poetics

Abstract

This article analyzes Robert Creeley's phenomenological poetics, focusing on the relationships between the body, breath, and the world as depicted in his poetry. The paper explores how Creeley's work is grounded in the corporeal experience of the poet and reader, emphasizing the dynamic interaction between consciousness, objects, and language. This study examines Creeley's engagement with Projective Verse, a poetic approach that prioritizes the body and breath as foundational elements. The author contends that Creeley's poetry reveals an intentionality that opens the subject to the object, thereby accessing the order of the world. The article demonstrates how Creeley's use of punctuation, syntax, and spatial arrangement on the page reflects his phenomenological stance toward reality. Key findings highlight the interconnectedness of poet, poem, reader, and words as essential components in the creation and experience of poetry. This work investigates the significance of Creeley's approach in extending the boundaries of poetic expression and understanding.

(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.)