Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Humble Pie" by John Ashbery is a poem that delves into themes of memory, regret, and the passage of time, all presented in Ashbery's characteristic style of abstract imagery and narrative fluidity. The poem juxtaposes elements of the mundane and the profound, creating a tapestry of thought and reflection that challenges the reader to find coherence in the midst of apparent randomness.

The opening line, "Various flavors recite us," immediately immerses the reader in a sensory and introspective experience, suggesting that our lives and identities are composed of a multitude of experiences and perceptions, each adding its unique "flavor" to the whole. This idea sets the stage for a poem that explores the complexities of human experience.

The reference to a Casper David Friedrich painting introduces a visual element that is both haunting and sublime. Friedrich's paintings often depict vast landscapes or seascapes with solitary figures or objects, evoking feelings of melancholy and introspection. The ship pointing upward in the fog is a metaphor for the human journey – an ascent through the mists of uncertainty and the search for meaning.

Ashbery's use of "vowels of regret" is a striking metaphor for unspoken or half-formed feelings of remorse for missed opportunities or unfulfilled desires. These regrets rise above the mundane ("the barrel") and become a collective cry that overshadows our everyday existence.

The confession of kissing a sleeping person who remains unaware is a poignant moment of intimacy and longing, underscoring the theme of unrequited or unnoticed affection. This act sets the speaker on a path of restless wandering, akin to the Wandering Jew, a mythical figure condemned to roam the earth. This allusion suggests a sense of eternal searching and unattainable rest.

The sun, personified as an observer and judge, casts a final verdict on the speaker's life, banishing them in a dismissal that feels both literal and metaphorical. The setting sun symbolizes the end of a chapter or a life, and the speaker's expulsion hints at a sense of alienation and exile.

The poem concludes with an acceptance of this fate, albeit with a lingering question of where this journey will ultimately lead. The mention of "last week’s parish newsletter" and "the elbows of a Nubian concubine" are quintessentially Ashberian touches, blending the ordinary with the exotic and the historical, leaving the reader in a state of reflective ambiguity.

In summary, "Humble Pie" is a rich and layered poem that weaves together themes of memory, regret, and the search for meaning. Ashbery's distinctive style of oblique references, vivid imagery, and narrative complexity invites multiple interpretations, making the poem a captivating exploration of the human condition.

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