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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
The opening lines, "In the presence of both, each mistook / The other's sincerity for an elaborate plot," immediately establish a theme of misinterpretation and distrust. This misunderstanding sets the tone for a meditation on the challenges of genuinely connecting with others and the ease with which intentions can be misconstrued. The poem's reflection on the possibility that "something like that did occur" and the presence of hostility in the way the subjects talk together introduces a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity. The consumption of "warm liquor" amidst this atmosphere adds a layer of tension and disinhibition. Ashbery's description of the sky's "sensual pout" and the "crazy kindness / Of statues" creates vivid, personified imagery, suggesting a world where even the inanimate and the natural are imbued with emotion and intention. The lingering "scraps of leaves still blowing around / Self-importantly" further personifies the natural world, adding to the poem's surreal quality. The mention of a "closed greeting, the firm handclasp" as material for dreams, including those that are "getting grim / Around the edges," speaks to the significance of even the smallest gestures in human interaction. These actions, though seemingly mundane, are laden with meaning and potential for interpretation. Ashbery's reference to these events as suitable for a "child's euphuistic / Tale" suggests a trivialization or underestimation of their importance. Yet, the rhetorical question "But can you / See otherwise?" challenges the reader to consider deeper meanings and implications. The poem then shifts to address the "ecstatic / Receiver of what's there to be received," highlighting the role of the individual in perceiving and interpreting their experiences. The speaker notes the burden placed on this receiver, suggesting that it might be better to wait and prepare for "the grand rush, the mass of detail / Still compacted in the excitement that lies ahead." The final image of a "Japanese paper flower" waiting to unfold captures the potential and anticipation of what is yet to come. This metaphor suggests that much of what we experience and understand is still compacted, awaiting the right conditions to reveal its full complexity and beauty. "Becalmed on Strange Waters" is a thought-provoking poem that captures the intricacies of communication, perception, and the human quest for understanding. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery and layered meanings creates a narrative that invites readers to ponder the depths of human interaction and the often-overlooked nuances that shape our perceptions of the world POEM TEXT:
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET: 146 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE IN MEMORY OF GENERAL GRANT by HENRY ABBEY TO M. I. (2) by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS OUT OF THE SILENCE by S. MINERVA BOYCE THE DOCTOR by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN |
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