Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lot of Catching Up to Do" by John Ashbery is a contemplative poem that explores themes of memory, the passage of time, and the often elusive nature of significance in our experiences. Ashbery's distinctive style, characterized by its fragmented narrative and surreal imagery, is evident throughout the poem, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges the reader's perceptions of reality and meaning.

The poem opens with the lines "Dark days, lit by a falling flame / from time to time," immediately setting a tone of uncertainty and intermittent illumination. This imagery suggests moments of clarity or insight amidst a general sense of obscurity or confusion. The mention of a door that "stands open / or not" further underscores this theme of ambiguity, as the door symbolizes both opportunity and closure, its state being inconsequential ("It’s much the same").

Ashbery's assertion that "Only the top layer is of any importance" is intriguing, as it suggests a focus on the superficial or immediate aspects of life, while the deeper, underlying layers are acknowledged as "immanent," ever-present yet perhaps not directly engaged with. This could reflect a commentary on human nature's tendency to prioritize the visible and immediate over the complex and hidden.

The line "It hurts only when you think about it" is a poignant observation on the nature of pain and memory. It implies that the act of reflection or contemplation can bring discomfort or sorrow, perhaps related to past events or lost opportunities.

The poem then addresses "my friends in the rough," possibly referring to those going through challenging or unrefined phases of life. The imagery of "toys swept out of the attic" leaving only a "bluish pitcher" evokes a sense of nostalgia and the passing of childhood or innocence. The attic, often a place of stored memories, becomes a metaphor for the mind, where only select memories or thoughts remain clear ("as though marking time").

The "Shadow of wing in the air" could symbolize the fleeting nature of dreams or aspirations, with the dream personified as seeking recognition for its "condolences." This could imply that even our dreams and aspirations, though intangible, impact our emotional state and desire acknowledgment.

The final lines, "Then there were many napkins, many knives in the Seine," introduce an element of surrealism typical of Ashbery. This image could represent the remnants of a past event, a metaphor for discarded or forgotten experiences. The Seine, a river that runs through Paris, might symbolize the flow of time or the collective unconscious, carrying away the relics of our experiences.

In summary, "Lot of Catching Up to Do" is a reflective piece that invites the reader to ponder the nature of memory, the significance of our experiences, and the ways in which we process and acknowledge the various aspects of our lives. Ashbery's use of enigmatic imagery and non-linear narrative creates a rich tapestry of meaning that is open to multiple interpretations.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...