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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

OF THE LIGHT, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography


"Of the Light" by John Ashbery presents a contemplative exploration of light as a metaphor for understanding, perception, and perhaps the ephemeral nature of life itself. Ashbery's poetry often navigates the boundaries between the tangible and intangible, and this poem is no exception, weaving a tapestry of imagery that invites multiple interpretations.

The poem begins by acknowledging the "watery light," a light that is often overlooked or undervalued. This light, perhaps symbolic of subtle insights or fleeting moments, is something the speaker wishes to preserve or capture - in a book, a dish, or even at night, like an "insect in a light bulb." This imagery suggests a desire to hold onto something transient, to make the fleeting permanence.

The reference to "day may just be breaking" implies a new beginning or a fresh perspective, yet the poem suggests that the true significance lies not in this emergent light but in "the beautiful flights of the trees / accepting their own flaccid destiny." This could symbolize the acceptance of life's inevitable flow, the natural cycle of growth and decay, and the beauty inherent in this process.

The "tightrope of seasons" further adds to the theme of life’s precarious and cyclical nature. The observation that the trees can be frightening up close but are of no concern to the king, who is preoccupied with "the tides," perhaps speaks to the varying perspectives and preoccupations of individuals – how the broader, more powerful forces of nature or life concern some, while others are caught up in the immediate and tangible.

The interaction with the king, characterized as an "old wizard," adds a layer of mythic or symbolic depth to the poem. The king's acknowledgment that neither he nor his wisdom can shield them from the "light / of breakfast" or mend the practicalities of life ("the hole in your stocking") suggests the limitations of human power and knowledge in the face of life's mundane realities.

The final lines reflect on the passage of time – "yet another day has consumed itself," filled with passion and grief. The crispness of the imagery, reminiscent of a magazine illustration from the 1930s, evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for a time when "we and this light were all that mattered." This could be interpreted as a yearning for a past where things seemed simpler or more focused, a common theme in reflections on the passage of time.

In "Of the Light," Ashbery crafts a meditation on the fleeting moments of life, the limitations of human understanding, and the beauty found in the natural cycle of existence. The poem invites readers to consider their own perceptions and the transient nature of the light that illuminates our lives.


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