Meaning: The quote "Again like Williams, with the emphasis now regrettable, when a man makes a poem, makes it mind you, he takes the words as he finds them lying interrelated about him" by Robert Creeley, a renowned poet, reflects a fundamental aspect of the creative process in poetry. In this quote, Creeley emphasizes the idea that when a poet constructs a poem, they work with the words and language that are already present in their surroundings. The mention of "Williams" likely refers to William Carlos Williams, an influential American poet known for his focus on everyday language and experiences in his work. By associating his own approach with that of Williams, Creeley is highlighting the significance of using existing language and words as the building blocks for poetic creation.

Creeley's assertion that a poet "takes the words as he finds them lying interrelated about him" underscores the notion that poetry is deeply connected to the poet's immediate environment and experiences. Rather than creating language from scratch, poets often draw inspiration from the words, phrases, and linguistic patterns that surround them. This perspective aligns with the broader tradition of "found poetry," where poets incorporate existing texts or language fragments into their work, often recontextualizing and rearranging them to create new meaning and resonance.

Furthermore, the phrase "he takes the words as he finds them lying interrelated about him" suggests that the poet's engagement with language is not passive but active and intentional. The poet's selection and arrangement of words are purposeful and deliberate, as they interact with the linguistic elements that they encounter. This process underscores the poet's role as a curator and manipulator of language, shaping and reshaping words to convey their unique vision and emotional landscape.

Creeley's choice of language in this quote also hints at the organic and spontaneous nature of poetic creation. The use of "lying interrelated about him" conveys a sense of naturalness and immediacy, suggesting that the words are not inert entities but rather dynamic and interconnected elements that the poet encounters in their creative journey. This perspective resonates with the idea that poetry often emerges from a place of intuition, emotion, and sensory perception, reflecting the poet's immediate engagement with the world.

In a broader context, Creeley's quote can be seen as an acknowledgment of the intricate relationship between language, creativity, and individual expression. By emphasizing the poet's active engagement with existing words and linguistic connections, Creeley invites us to consider the ways in which poetry serves as a medium for capturing and articulating the complexities of human experience. Through the transformative power of language, poets have the ability to imbue words with new meanings, associations, and emotional resonances, offering readers fresh insights into the world around them.

In summary, Robert Creeley's quote encapsulates the dynamic and interactive nature of poetic creation, highlighting the poet's role as a shaper of language and a conduit for the expression of personal and universal truths. By drawing attention to the poet's engagement with existing words and their interrelationships, Creeley underscores the organic and intentional process through which poetry takes shape, ultimately enriching our understanding of the profound connections between language, creativity, and the human experience.