Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "But Not That One" is a lyrical and contemplative work that explores themes of time, change, and the human experience. Ashbery, known for his intricate and often enigmatic style, crafts a narrative that invites deep reflection on the nature of life, perception, and identity.

The opening lines, "The works, the days, uh, / And weariness of the days / Gradually getting a little longer," immediately establish a theme of the passage of time and the routine of daily life. The "weariness of the days" suggests a sense of repetition and the toll that time can take.

The transformation of this weariness into a smile suggests a shift in perspective or a moment of realization. The smile, described as "a different not us," implies a sense of otherness or detachment, a kind of external happiness that is separate from the self.

The potential for this smile to "rescind, cancel, / Rip out the stitches of the sky" introduces a dramatic and somewhat surreal image. This could symbolize the power of a shift in perception to dramatically alter one's understanding of the world.

The warming up and the blooming that gets "squashed on the tongue" evoke a sense of spring and renewal, yet this renewal is coupled with an immediacy and intensity, as if the new experiences are overwhelming or consuming.

The questions "Where are you going? Who do you think you are?" reflect a search for direction and identity, common human inquiries in the face of life's complexities and uncertainties.

The imagery of "Crushed leaves, berries, the stars / Continually falling, streaking the sky" creates a vivid and dynamic scene. This could symbolize the ongoing cycle of life and the fleeting nature of moments and experiences.

The mention of context and the reference to an "agog spectator" who wrenches a cry from its own house suggests a struggle to make sense of life's experiences and the challenge of finding meaning in a constantly changing world.

The closing line, "He thought he heard," leaves the poem on an ambiguous note, suggesting uncertainty and the elusive nature of understanding and perception.

"But Not That One" is a reflective and layered poem that invites readers to ponder the complexities of time, change, and the human quest for understanding and identity. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery and abstract thought creates a narrative that resonates with the unpredictability and depth of the human experience.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Shadow_Train/2Cl5BAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22The+works,+the+days,%22+ashbery&pg=PT64&printsec=frontcover

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