Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Pale Siblings" by John Ashbery is a poem that delves into themes of isolation, reflection, and the complex dynamics of relationships. The poem's narrative style and vivid imagery create a dreamlike atmosphere, characteristic of Ashbery's work, where the boundary between reality and imagination is fluid and often blurred.

The poem begins with a casual greeting, "Cheerio," and a description of a desolate shoreline, setting a tone of solitude and introspection. The mention of "eczema / mimicking sunlight and shadow" is a striking image that suggests imperfection and discomfort, contrasting with the typically serene and picturesque nature of the sea and sunlight.

Ashbery then explores the theme of wandering and punishment, raising questions about the reasons behind one's life choices and the consequences that follow. The reference to "another plot of the siblings" introduces a sense of familial conflict and emotional torment. The imagery of hair twisted "into witches’ brooms" evokes a sense of powerlessness and victimization, suggesting that the speaker feels manipulated and controlled by these relationships.

The poem shifts to a reflective tone, acknowledging the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The speaker is urged to move on from a state of stagnation and self-pity ("sitting in a pile of ashes") and to embrace life and its experiences ("stride into the melting twilight").

The encounter with the old shepherd introduces a new perspective. The shepherd's wisdom and acceptance of his role and responsibilities, despite the lack of gratitude, present a contrast to the speaker's earlier sense of victimhood. The shepherd's attitude towards his work and the unpredictability of his flock ("Sometimes one of ’em doesn’t go astray for months on end. Other times I’ve got my hands full") reflects a broader acceptance of life's uncertainties and challenges.

The conversation between the speaker and the shepherd touches on themes of visibility, gratitude, and the passage of time. The shepherd's ability to "cope" with being unseen and unappreciated, and his fading presence, suggest a resignation to the inevitable flow of life and the transient nature of human connections.

In the final lines, the speaker agrees to "leave it at that," indicating a possible acceptance of the shepherd's philosophy. This conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity and open-endedness, characteristic of Ashbery's poetic style.

Overall, "Pale Siblings" is a contemplative poem that weaves together elements of the mundane and the fantastical to explore the complexities of human relationships, the passage of time, and the search for meaning and acceptance in life.

POEM TEXT: https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v22/n02/john-ashbery/two-poems

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