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ASTROLOGY, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Tony Hoagland's poem "Astrology" juxtaposes the celestial with the terrestrial, creating a meditation on solitude, memory, and the vast continuum of human history. The poem employs vivid imagery and a contemplative tone to delve into themes of cosmic insignificance and the inherited quietude passed down through generations.

The poem begins with a serene night sky, inviting the speaker—and the reader—to step outside and gaze upward. The imagery of Orion's "silver chest hairs" and the "hummingbird tattoo upon the outside of his thigh" brings the constellation to life, personifying it with almost whimsical detail. This humanization of a constellation serves to bridge the gap between the infinite cosmos and the intimate human experience.

Hoagland then shifts to a reflection on loneliness, described paradoxically as a "luxury" the speaker has had the "poor taste" to sometimes call such. This loneliness is depicted as the "absence of others," emphasizing a sense of abandonment, yet also providing an opportunity for introspection and a deeper connection with the self. The reference to being left with "only oxygen to breathe and nothing more than time to breathe it in" underscores the fundamental simplicity and starkness of human existence.

The poem continues by honoring "the million things forgotten" and those which have "so graciously forgotten me." This acknowledgment of forgotten histories and personal memories that no longer weigh on the speaker's consciousness speaks to the transient nature of life and the inevitability of being forgotten. The "bulging saddlebags of history" evoke a sense of history's burden, filled with "self-cancelling blunders and eurekas" of countless ancestors. This imagery encapsulates the duality of human progress and mistakes, all contributing to the present moment.

Hoagland's contemplation extends to the inheritance of "tremendous importance" handed down through generations, which paradoxically is described as "nothing but plenty of quiet and dark." This suggests that what is truly valuable is not material or tangible, but the space for introspection and the capacity to find meaning within the vast unknown.

In the final lines, Hoagland brings the reader back to the sky, describing the constellations as "well-lit hieroglyphics" open to interpretation. This metaphor highlights the subjective nature of understanding and finding meaning in the cosmos. Just as hieroglyphics require interpretation, so too does the night sky, offering a canvas for personal and collective narratives.

"Astrology" by Tony Hoagland is a profound exploration of solitude, memory, and the legacy of human history. Through its rich imagery and reflective tone, the poem invites readers to contemplate their place within the vastness of the universe and the quiet, often overlooked gifts handed down through generations. By drawing connections between the celestial and the human, Hoagland captures the delicate balance between cosmic insignificance and the profound significance of individual experience.


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