Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's "Bromeliads" is a contemplative and intricate poem that explores themes of self-awareness, change, and the search for meaning in life. Known for his complex and often abstract style, Ashbery weaves a narrative that invites deep reflection on the nature of identity, perception, and the passage of time.

The poem opens with the speaker reflecting on their "original philosophy for the age of gink," a phrase that suggests a personal belief system developed in response to a specific era or context. The feeling of a harp being plucked evokes a sense of sensitivity and responsiveness to subtle stimuli or "suggestions."

The imagery of "little breezes lifting grass and leaves" and the "delta of mattering" fanning out from a point symbolizes the spread of influence or the ripple effect of actions and thoughts. This reflects the poem's exploration of the impact of seemingly minor events or encounters.

The speaker's journey from the "lucky island" to a "place of crossings where no two things occupy the same outline in both space and time" introduces the theme of transition and the uniqueness of experiences and perspectives.

The metaphor of caregivers abandoning the speaker "in your best interests so as to bring on a crisis of enlightenment" speaks to the concept of growth through challenge or adversity. The surprise revelation by these figures highlights the unpredictability of life and the process of aging.

The contemplation of one's reflection in the mirror and the encounter with an "other I" ready to answer long-held questions captures the poem's meditation on self-examination and the search for answers to life's fundamental questions.

The rhetorical question "Will we achieve anything? Not likely" reflects a sense of skepticism or resignation, yet the mention of starlings appearing "in patterns and in pairs" suggests that there is still significance and meaning to be found in life.

The admonition not to "stay in your cave until this century is forgotten" encourages engagement with the world and the making of memories, as symbolized by the reference to paying the photographer and retrieving prints.

The description of the speaker looking "as reckless as an enchanter emeritus and weary as the first gables of spring" combines a sense of world-weariness with a hint of magic and renewal, encapsulating the poem's exploration of aging, wisdom, and the ongoing quest for understanding.

"Bromeliads" is a reflective and layered poem that invites readers to ponder the complexities of self-awareness, the nature of change, and the human quest for meaning and enlightenment. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery and abstract thought creates a narrative that resonates with the depth and richness of the human experience.

POEM TEXT:  https://www.bu.edu/partisanreview/books/PR1994V61N1/HTML/files/assets/basic-html/index.html#157

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