Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Railroaded" by John Ashbery presents a fragmented, almost stream-of-consciousness narrative that explores themes of memory, identity, and the interplay between truth and fiction. Like many of Ashbery's poems, it resists straightforward interpretation, inviting the reader to immerse themselves in the experience of the poem rather than search for a singular meaning.

The poem begins with a somewhat cryptic line, "Job on the hills," which immediately sets a tone of ambiguity. This is followed by a questioning of correctness, suggesting uncertainty or self-doubt. The mention of not hearing someone due to the wind whistling through a pinecone paints a vivid sensory image and introduces a theme of missed connections or miscommunication.

The speaker is then addressed directly, asked to share more about their experiences. This request for personal narratives about times of struggle and intimate encounters gives the poem a confessional quality. However, the speaker's response is not straightforward; instead, it reflects on generic experiences that could belong to anyone, underscoring the universality of certain human emotions and experiences.

The instruction to "add salt to the cauldron of lies and wishes" suggests embellishment or distortion of reality, perhaps a commentary on how personal narratives are often altered in the telling. This could be a metaphor for the creative process itself, especially in the crafting of poetry.

Ashbery's imagery of a kitchen below some stairs adds a domestic, familiar element to the poem, contrasting with the more abstract and introspective themes. The mention of a girlfriend's shoes and pocketbooks with scotties on them paints a detailed, personal picture, grounding the poem in everyday life.

The poem reflects on the inadequacy of space ("There never were enough closets"), possibly symbolizing the limitations in understanding and expressing the complexities of life and relationships. The comparison of looking for something in the house to finding the moon in the sky suggests a search for meaning or stability in a constantly changing world.

In the closing lines, the speaker seems to recognize a personal limit or boundary ("I think I just overstayed my welcome"). The alarm going off "some place deep inside" could symbolize an internal realization or awakening. The destruction of the bedroom wallpaper and the absence of angelfish might represent change or loss, emphasizing the transient nature of life and experiences.

Throughout "Railroaded," Ashbery plays with language and imagery, creating a collage of thoughts and impressions that challenge the reader to engage with the text on multiple levels. The poem invites interpretation and re-interpretation, embodying the complexity and fluidity of human consciousness.

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