Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Notes from the Air" by John Ashbery is a complex and layered poem that embodies Ashbery's signature style of blending surreal imagery, abstract concepts, and a stream-of-consciousness narrative. The poem weaves together various themes and images, creating a tapestry of thought that is both elusive and richly textured.

The opening line, "A yak is a prehistoric cabbage: of that, at least, we may be sure," immediately sets the tone of absurdity and playfulness that characterizes much of Ashbery's work. This line juxtaposes two unrelated objects—a yak and a cabbage—in a way that challenges conventional logic and invites the reader to embrace a world where unexpected connections and meanings are possible.

Ashbery then shifts to a more reflective tone, questioning the hidden light among house-plants and rubber sponges. This could symbolize the search for enlightenment or truth in the mundane and everyday aspects of life. The "blessed moment" that arrives at midday and the subsequent lighting of lamps in mid-afternoon suggest a passage of time and a transition from light to darkness, both literally and metaphorically.

The poem contemplates the nature of time, with moments running "like sand from a bag." This image evokes the fleeting and ephemeral quality of life's experiences. Ashbery's mention of the "sandy moments" that accuse us suggests a sense of regret or a missed opportunity, underscoring the transient nature of existence.

The reference to the "surly one on his throne of impacted gold" might allude to a tyrannical or oppressive force, possibly representing societal or personal constraints. This figure contrasts with the redeeming elements mentioned later in the poem, such as the "square of barren grass" that holds potential for future growth and realization.

Throughout the poem, Ashbery plays with the idea of communication and miscommunication. The "stranger's casual words" that are swept away to a distant orbit where words hover alone speak to the isolation and disconnectedness that can occur in human interactions. The poem seems to suggest that true understanding and connection are elusive and often just out of reach.

In the final stanza, Ashbery introduces a more intimate and transformative image: the master who wants to talk to the speaker, placing his mouth over theirs. This could be interpreted as a moment of communion or a transfer of knowledge. The removal of the "human fishhook" and the return of the speaker's belongings signify a release from pain or constraint and a restoration of self.

"Notes from the Air" is a meditation on the complexities of human experience, time, communication, and the search for meaning. Ashbery's use of surreal imagery and his stream-of-consciousness style create a dreamlike atmosphere that invites multiple interpretations, making the poem a rich and intriguing exploration of the human psyche.

POEX TEXT: https://ashberyhouse.yale.edu/notes-air

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