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BRAND LOYALTY, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography


John Ashbery's "Brand Loyalty" is a witty and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of change, perception, and the human relationship with the natural and material world. Known for his intricate and often surreal poetry, Ashbery crafts a narrative that is both humorous and reflective, inviting deep contemplation and interpretation.

The poem opens with a dialogue between a father and another speaker, possibly a child, about the father's treatment of collectibles. The father's enjoyment of the objects, particularly noting the "green magenta finish" that reminds him of a piano shawl, introduces a theme of nostalgia and the personal meanings attached to material objects.

The line "At least we have the lilacs" suggests a consolation or a return to simpler, more natural pleasures amidst concerns about the preservation or destruction of material possessions.

The father's interaction with the waterspout, personifying it and expressing frustration with its unpredictability, reflects a larger theme of human attempts to understand and control nature. His statement "They never know when to draw the line" humorously anthropomorphizes natural phenomena, highlighting the absurdity of expecting nature to conform to human expectations.

The speaker's determination not to let the situation affect them contrasts with the increasing urgency of the waterspout's approach. This tension between resignation and action is a key element of the poem.

The suggestion to "sidle along the sand" and the response "The deuce you say!" injects a playful, almost comedic tone into the poem, even as the situation with the waterspout becomes more pressing.

The idea of offering tea and cookies to the waterspout, only to realize it's too late for such gestures, further explores the theme of human responses to uncontrollable forces. The mention of "palsied brooding on the tired theme of retribution" suggests a resignation to fate and the futility of certain actions.

The poem's contemplation of the nature of modern constructs, "they build them stronger and stronger until it's encoded in them," speaks to the idea of progress and its implications. The inability of these constructs to "help putting their best foot forward" reflects on the inherent characteristics and limitations of both natural and human-made phenomena.

The closing lines, expressing regret over not having read up on the subject and the desire for "a little peace," capture the human longing for understanding and tranquility in a world that is often chaotic and unpredictable.

"Brand Loyalty" is a playful yet insightful poem that captures the intricacies of human interactions with the natural and material world. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery, dialogue, and abstract thought creates a narrative that resonates with the complexity and humor of the human experience.

POEM TEXT: https://ashberyhouse.yale.edu/brand-loyalty


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