Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Oleum Misericordiae," by John Ashbery, is a rich and complex poem that delves into themes of chance, storytelling, and the pursuit of meaning in life. The poem’s title, which translates to "Oil of Mercy," sets a tone of healing and redemption, hinting at the transformative power of the narrative that unfolds. Ashbery’s distinctive style, characterized by its non-linear structure and juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated images and events, challenges the reader to find coherence and significance in the chaos of life's experiences.

The poem opens with a notion of change – "to rub it out, make it less virulent" – suggesting a desire to alter or mitigate the harsh realities of life. This is immediately followed by the concept of waiting and the cessation of waiting, indicating a transition from anticipation to action or realization. The poem then delves into the nature of storytelling, with the speaker urging the listener to pay attention to a story that has become intertwined with their own narrative.

The phrase "It has shut itself out / And in doing so shut us accidentally in" suggests a paradoxical situation where isolation leads to a deeper connection or understanding. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the introspective process of storytelling, where the act of narrating one's experience creates a shared space of reflection and understanding.

As the poem progresses, it weaves together a fantastical tale involving a chance encounter, transient hotels, and a mysterious woman named Dorothy. This narrative, with its vivid descriptions of wallpaper and transient settings, conjures a sense of impermanence and the fleeting nature of human connections. The reference to Dorothy and the surreal elements of the story evoke a dream-like quality, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

The retrieval of the "water of life" and the subsequent betrayal by the speaker's brothers, Cash and Jethro, introduce themes of betrayal, redemption, and the quest for something transformative. The water of life serves as a symbol of rejuvenation and the elusive goal of human endeavors. The speaker's journey, marked by both success and betrayal, mirrors the complexities of human relationships and the unpredictability of life's journey.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the unequal distribution of fortune and the quest for meaning in a world of disparities. The "water of life" that refreshes absolutely but has no taste represents the paradox of life’s essential yet often unappreciated experiences. The final lines, "Until everybody / Gets some advantage, big or little / Some reason for having come / So far / Without dog or woman / So far alone, unasked," evoke a sense of existential longing and the universal search for purpose and belonging.

In summary, "Oleum Misericordiae" by John Ashbery is a deeply evocative and intricately woven poem that explores the human condition through the lens of storytelling, chance encounters, and the pursuit of meaning. Ashbery's use of surreal imagery, non-linear narrative, and rich symbolism invites the reader to ponder the complexities of life, the elusive nature of truth, and the transformative power of narrative. Through this poem, Ashbery captures the essence of human experience – its randomness, its fleeting joys and sorrows, and the enduring quest for understanding and connection.

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