Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Crowd Conditions” by John Ashbery is an evocative and multifaceted poem that delves into themes of nostalgia, change, and the complexities of human interaction. Ashbery, known for his abstract and often enigmatic style, weaves a narrative rich in symbolism and introspection, inviting deep reflection on the passage of time and the shifting nature of relationships.

The poem opens with the image of "imperfect sympathies twinkling" across a frontier, set against a "gaga sky." This sets a tone of distance and disconnect, suggesting a gap between intentions and perceptions, or perhaps the fading of once strong connections.

The mention of "a petite suite of lights" evokes a sense of small, delicate, and perhaps fleeting moments or memories. The idea that "most of the important things had to be obliterated / for this to happen" introduces a theme of loss or sacrifice as a precursor to the present state.

The address to "ma jolie" (my pretty) and the contemplation of alternative possibilities "more to your liking" reflect on the subjectivity of experiences and the choices that lead to different outcomes.

The reference to an unavoidable "sexual posture" accompanying everything as a "free gift" suggests the inherent complexities and tensions in human relationships and interactions.

The shifting of blades in the forest and the ocean's sighs at the repetitiveness and burdensomeness of striking the shore paint vivid natural imagery that mirrors human emotions and actions.

The nostalgia for a time when the speaker and their companion were "young and cheap," with a sense of freedom and lack of surveillance, contrasts with the later experiences of being followed and observed, emphasizing the loss of privacy and innocence with age.

The followers – the cat, men in limousines, and people dressed like reporters and old ladies – symbolize the increasing scrutiny and intrusion into their lives, reflecting on the loss of anonymity and the burdens of fame or visibility.

The poem's shift to a more public scene, where every action creates "crowd conditions" and the shared sense of loss with strangers ("old ladies too, / crooning about the loss they supposed we shared with them"), highlights the complexity of public and private grief.

The dismissal, "Forget it. It all comes undone sooner or later," speaks to the impermanence of situations and the inevitable unraveling of circumstances over time.

The growth of vetch, a type of plant, serves as a metaphor for the continuous, perhaps unnoticed, progress of life, with the plant itself questioning its growth – a reflection on self-awareness and existential contemplation.

The final line, "Such, my friends, is life, wondered the president," introduces a character who contemplates the nature of existence, adding another layer of reflection and a sense of authority or leadership to the narrative's contemplation.

"Crowd Conditions" is a thought-provoking and richly textured poem that invites readers to ponder the complexities of memory, change, and the intricacies of human connections. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and introspective narrative creates a piece that resonates with the depth and nuance of the human experience.

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