Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "Around the Rough and Rugged Rocks the Ragged Rascal" is a reflective and layered exploration of the creative process, the nature of communication, and the complexities of self-perception. Ashbery, renowned for his ability to blend abstract thought with vivid imagery, crafts a narrative that navigates the intersection between personal introspection and the universal human desire to connect and be understood.

The opening line, "You can’t say it that way any more," immediately sets a tone of change or evolution, suggesting that the ways of expressing oneself or understanding the world are in constant flux. This theme of transformation is further developed with the idea of being "Bothered about beauty" and the need to come out into the open.

The speaker's reflection on their own popularity and the perception of others ("you who have so many lovers, / People who look up to you and are willing / To do things for you") introduces a sense of self-doubt or insecurity. The notion that others might not truly understand the speaker if they really knew them adds depth to the poem's exploration of identity and perception.

Ashbery's shift to discussing the contents of a "poem-painting" introduces the theme of artistic creation. The mention of flowers, particularly delphinium, names of boys, sleds, and skyrockets, represents the selection of imagery that evokes nostalgia, beauty, and excitement, elements often found in poetry and art.

The instruction to find "a few important words, and a lot of low-keyed, / Dull-sounding ones" reflects the poet's process of balancing the profound with the mundane in crafting poetry. This balance is crucial in conveying complex ideas while remaining accessible and relatable to the reader.

The sudden shift to a street scene "Bananas and the clangor of Japanese instruments" and the scattering of "Humdrum testaments" creates a surreal, almost chaotic atmosphere. This could symbolize the unpredictability of life and the myriad of stimuli that an artist must navigate and incorporate into their work.

The imagery of two heads locking and forming a seesaw is a powerful metaphor for the give-and-take of communication and relationships. This interplay is crucial in understanding and being understood, in the creation and interpretation of art, and in the broader scope of human interaction.

The poem concludes with a contemplation of the "extreme austerity of an almost empty mind / Colliding with the lush, Rousseau-like foliage of its desire to communicate." This striking juxtaposition captures the essence of the creative struggle: the emptiness that seeks fulfillment through the rich and vibrant expression of art.

The final lines, reflecting on the desire to communicate "Something between breaths," speak to the ephemeral nature of understanding and the continuous cycle of seeking connection, being understood, and then moving on to new forms of communication. This cycle underscores the transient nature of comprehension and the ongoing quest for meaning in both art and life.

In summary, "Around the Rough and Rugged Rocks the Ragged Rascal" is a thought-provoking exploration of the creative process, communication, and self-awareness. Ashbery's unique blend of vivid imagery, abstract thought, and introspective reflection creates a narrative that resonates with the universal human experience of trying to express and connect in a constantly changing world.

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