Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Paperwork" by John Ashbery presents a characteristic blend of abstract imagery, philosophical musings, and playful language, all hallmarks of Ashbery's unique poetic style. The poem is an exploration of the themes of creation, perception, and the role of the artist, wrapped in a surreal, dream-like narrative.

The opening line, "Waste time on these riddles?" sets the tone for a poem that grapples with the nature of artistic creation and its perceived value. Ashbery often plays with the idea of poetry as a series of riddles or puzzles, challenging the reader to find meaning in his opaque and elusive language.

The mention of a "master" who comes after and either disregards or destroys previous works suggests a contemplation on the transient nature of art and ideas. This could be a reflection on how each generation of artists and thinkers builds upon or rejects the work of their predecessors.

The speaker's self-reflection, questioning their own strength and pondering their legacy ("Will my arch be built, strung along the sand within sight of olive trees?") speaks to the existential concerns of artists and the human desire for lasting impact.

"L’heureuse," gazing at a "blue gazing globe" in a sunlit garden, introduces a character lost in thought or contemplation. This image evokes a sense of introspection and perhaps a longing for understanding or enlightenment.

The dialogue with the "old stump," urging the character to "be something," highlights the tension between existence and expectation, between being and doing. This exchange underscores the pressure to conform to societal norms or to fulfill certain roles.

The poem's shifts in scenery and perspective, from the contemplative garden to the "demented sky" where a sugar-mill produces poems, illustrate Ashbery's ability to transport readers through a series of disconnected yet vivid images. This technique creates a sense of disorientation and challenges traditional narrative structures.

The final scene, with a "motherly chimp" leading to a table set with silverware and crystal, is quintessentially Ashberyan in its absurdity and whimsy. This imagery blurs the lines between the civilized and the primal, the refined and the natural.

The concluding lines about the "old man" who is the intended guest, yet not present, add an element of melancholy and unfulfilled expectation. It leaves the reader pondering the identities and roles of the characters, as well as the elusive meanings behind their actions.

"Paperwork" is a quintessential example of John Ashbery's poetic approach, where meaning is fluid and elusive, and the beauty of the poem lies in its ambiguity and the rich tapestry of images and ideas it presents.

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