Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's "Abe's Collision" is a compelling exploration of the complexities of human action, decision-making, and the inevitability of certain events. Ashbery, renowned for his intricate and often enigmatic poetry, employs a series of vivid and surreal images to convey themes of inevitability, agency, and the interconnectedness of events.

The poem opens with a striking line: "So much energy deployed in circumnavigating the seer's collisions!" This suggests the effort expended in avoiding the inevitable or trying to navigate around foreseen challenges. The term "seer's collisions" evokes the idea of predestined or predictable conflicts that are an integral part of life's journey.

"Don't do it yet, it hasn't happened" immediately follows, introducing a sense of anticipation and the notion of waiting for the right moment. This line might imply a tension between action and inaction, between making things happen and letting them unfold naturally.

The statement "There is something in it" hints at a deeper meaning or value in these experiences, suggesting that even in challenges or collisions, there is something to be gained or understood.

The metaphor of being a guidepost, with life coming along to "verify its balance," is a powerful image. It suggests that life itself tests our stability and direction, akin to a traveler checking a signpost for guidance. The departure of life "straight into the flustered ballooning of branches" could symbolize the unpredictable, often chaotic nature of the journey.

The phrase "Sure, it's time we merged" implies a need for unity or coming together, perhaps of different aspects of the self or with others. The acknowledgment that "There are no others to do it for us" speaks to the necessity of personal responsibility and taking action in one's life.

"That's why we've got to do it" reinforces this sense of imperative, while the mention of "balls to do it and a heavy-duty sucker across the way" introduces an element of courage and facing challenges, despite the presence of obstacles or adversaries.

The closing lines, "A snake will unplug the drain. / The slate will light up and read itself," offer a sense of resolution and clarity emerging from complexity. The snake, often a symbol of transformation and renewal, unblocking a drain suggests the removal of obstacles or the flow of stagnant energies. The self-reading slate could symbolize the revelation of truths or insights that were previously hidden or unclear.

Overall, "Abe's Collision" is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the intricacies of human experience, the inevitability of certain paths, and the agency we hold in navigating them. Ashbery's use of surreal imagery and ambiguous references creates a richly layered narrative that invites multiple interpretations and reflects the complexity of the human condition.

POEM TEXT:

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Can_You_Hear_Bird/RCl5BAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...