Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "Or In My Throat" is a contemplative and layered work that explores themes of perception, memory, and the creative process. Ashbery, known for his intricate and often enigmatic poetry, uses vivid imagery and a non-linear narrative to delve into the complexities of the human experience and the act of writing poetry.

The poem opens with a metaphor comparing the poet to a "basement quilt" and the poem itself to a "latticework of regrets." This imagery suggests the multifaceted nature of poetry, which can be both a source of warmth and comfort (like a quilt) and a structure through which one views and reflects on past experiences and regrets. The mention of the "funny street, with the ends of cars and the dust," adds a sense of the ordinary and everyday, indicating that poetry can encompass both the mundane and the profound.

The following stanza delves into the theme of perspective and the limitations of understanding. The speaker reflects on the experience of being trapped in one end of life, looking at the other, with all grief stemming from this limited viewpoint. This could represent the poet's struggle to fully grasp or appreciate the breadth of human experience, including the politeness of people or the reversal of dreams into nightmares.

The image of "starlight on frozen puddles in some dread waste" evokes a sense of desolation and the harsh beauty of nature. The contrast between this stark imagery and the reports of progress ("how they are coming along") highlights the gap between reality and perception, or between the individual's experience and the narratives constructed by others.

The decision to "quit and took up writing poetry instead" suggests a turning point or a choice to pursue a path that offers more control and clarity. The speaker describes poetry as "clean" and "relaxing," contrasting it with a messier, more uncertain reality. The metaphor of something squirting juice over previously certain beliefs captures the unpredictable and often disorienting nature of life.

The final lines of the poem, with the speaker's own face becoming a stranger and the exclamation "Hey, stupid!", convey a sense of self-estrangement and frustration. This could reflect the poet's struggle with self-doubt or the challenge of communicating complex ideas and emotions through poetry.

In summary, "Or In My Throat" by John Ashbery is a thought-provoking exploration of the poetic process, the limitations of perspective, and the complexities of understanding oneself and the world. Through vivid imagery and a shifting narrative, Ashbery invites readers to reflect on the nature of regret, the beauty and desolation of life, and the transformative power of poetry. The poem's layered meanings and evocative language offer a rich and nuanced perspective on the human condition and the creative endeavor.

POEM TEXT: https://ashberyhouse.yale.edu/or-my-throat

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