Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Postcard from Pontevedra" by John Ashbery unfolds as a reflection on the ambiguity of perception and the fluidity of experience. The poem navigates through a landscape of surreal imagery, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

The opening line, "Just how I feel / I feel today," establishes a tone of introspection and immediacy. The repetition of "feel" emphasizes the speaker's focus on their present emotional state, suggesting a moment of self-awareness or realization.

The image of the witch stirring the soup with a "magic spoon" introduces an element of the fantastical. This scene could be interpreted as a metaphor for the transformative power of creativity or the mysterious processes of the mind. The witch's words, "We can make this happen. / We can never make this happen?" present a paradox, reflecting the uncertain nature of human endeavor and the elusive quality of desire or ambition.

The speaker's awakening at the "Maison Duck" adds a whimsical, dreamlike quality to the poem. The mention of people walking and then running past the speaker creates a sense of urgency and motion, contrasting with the speaker's stationary position and introspective state.

The poem's tone shifts to a more contemplative mood with the mention of an ambulance, suggesting a sudden awareness of vulnerability or the need for assistance. This could symbolize the speaker's recognition of their own limitations or the inevitability of change.

The "humming in my ears" evokes the continuous presence of the natural world, with references to the sea and a basket of nettles. These images suggest a connection to the earth and its cycles, as well as the discomfort and unpredictability of life.

The speaker's uncertainty about the location of Pontevedra, a city in Spain, and their reluctance to ask questions highlight a theme of existential doubt. The poem concludes with a sense of resignation to the mysteries of life, as the speaker acknowledges the "risen sea" that answers their unasked questions.

Overall, "Postcard from Pontevedra" is a contemplative piece that explores the complexities of human consciousness and the enigmatic nature of existence. Ashbery's use of vivid and surreal imagery invites readers to ponder the fluid boundaries between the real and the imagined, and the interplay between external reality and inner experience.

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