Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "Avenue Mozart" is a reflective and subtly poignant meditation on the passage of time, the nature of change, and the shifting perceptions of reality. Characterized by Ashbery’s intricate style, the poem weaves together observations of the external world with introspective thoughts, creating a narrative that resonates with a sense of nostalgia and contemplation.

The opening lines, "Some of these houses are startlingly old. / Other, newer ones seem old too," immediately establish a theme of time and perception. The observation that even newer houses appear old suggests a blurring of the past and present, indicating how quickly time seems to pass and how the new can rapidly take on the patina of age.

The line "Only when a line of trees ends in something / Does it resemble the model of progress" introduces a metaphor for growth and progress. This imagery suggests that progress or development is only recognizable in retrospect, once it has reached a conclusion or a significant milestone.

Ashbery’s reflection that "Our references have all aged a lit / as we were looking at them, not noticing" speaks to the imperceptible yet constant passage of time. The idea that the familiar markers of our lives age alongside us underscores the poem’s exploration of time’s relentless march.

The mention of "something perverse in every yellow leaf, every cat loafing, even the stick leaning against the c[orner]" evokes a sense of dislocation and a subtle disturbance in the ordinary. This could reflect a growing awareness of the odd or unsettling aspects of everyday life that are often overlooked.

The desire to "get out of these clothes" followed by the deferment "Later" introduces a motif of longing for change or escape, yet it is a desire that is postponed, perhaps indefinitely. This sentiment underscores a theme of inertia or reluctance to confront change.

The image of a "full moon of oxymorons" rising over the ridge with chimneys is particularly evocative. It suggests the coexistence of contradictory elements in life, symbolized by the oxymoronic nature of the moon. The idea that the moon’s light is "light enough to read by" yet "nobody feels like reading now" captures a moment of potential that remains unrealized, reflecting a broader sense of unfulfilled possibilities or a reluctance to engage deeply with the world.

"Avenue Mozart" is a contemplative poem that captures the subtleties of everyday life and the nuanced reflections on the passage of time. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery and layered meanings creates a narrative that invites readers to ponder their own perceptions of time, change, and the often-overlooked details of the world around them.

POEM TEXT:

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Your_Name_Here/JSt5BAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22Some+of+these+houses+are+startlingly+old%22+ashbery&pg=PT80&printsec=frontcover

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