Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "Adam Snow" is a complex exploration of perception, reality, and the human condition, all told through a lens of abstract and often enigmatic imagery. Ashbery, known for his intricate and non-linear style, weaves a tapestry of thoughts and images that challenge the reader to find coherence and meaning in the seemingly disparate elements.

The opening lines, "Let's try the ingenuous mode, if for no better / Reason than its staying power," suggest an experiment in sincerity or simplicity, contrasting with the often convoluted nature of human experience. This notion of an "ingenuous mode" is immediately juxtaposed with the idea of a "continuum / That rises and falls with the contours of this earth," implying a connection between the straightforward and the complex, natural landscapes of life.

Ashbery's reference to "Tom Tiddler's ground" introduces an element of childlike play or make-believe, yet it's tied to the practical and mundane realities of "cash and carry." This blend of the fantastical and the everyday is a recurring theme in the poem, reflecting the multifaceted nature of existence.

The lines "Long lines at the checkout counter / Are a reason to behave, sad and dramatic, silhouetted / Against the tidal wave" evoke a sense of the ordinary being overshadowed by larger, more overwhelming forces. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how mundane activities are set against the backdrop of life's greater challenges and uncertainties.

The imagery of claw-prints in the snow and the snow's dual role in both antagonizing and humoring before bedtime adds a layer of whimsy and unpredictability. This duality reflects the unpredictable nature of life and the different ways individuals might perceive and interact with the same experiences.

Ashbery's discussion of fakes, quality, and personal standards in a world devoid of clear benchmarks speaks to the subjective nature of value and judgment. The poem seems to grapple with the idea that standards and values are often personal and situational, rather than universal.

The shift to a discussion of color and time, and the metaphor of running through thistles and across thin ice, further develops the theme of life's precariousness and unpredictability. These images evoke the sensation of navigating through a world where change is constant and often imperceptible, yet significant.

In the latter part of the poem, Ashbery contemplates the system of life, its self-creation, and the individual's role within it. The lines "If it makes you happier to feel, to see the horror / Of living one's life alone for something, what the heck, / Be my guest" suggest a resigned acceptance of life's inherent challenges and the choices individuals must make.

The poem concludes with the metaphor of a "cubist diary of a brook," which encapsulates the fragmented, multifaceted nature of the narrative. This brook, like life, moves toward an unknown destination, a river "We can never cross twice." This image serves as a reminder of life's transience and the ongoing nature of experience, which is ever-evolving and rarely revisited in the same way.

In summary, "Adam Snow" is a quintessentially Ashberyan poem, rich in abstract imagery and thematic complexity. It invites readers to ponder the nature of reality, the subjectivity of experience, and the enigmatic journey of life, all while embracing the uncertainty and plurality that define human existence.

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