Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Desolate Beauty Parlor on Beach Avenue" by John Ashbery is a richly textured poem that delves into themes of change, memory, and the complexity of modern life. Ashbery, renowned for his abstract and multifaceted poetry, constructs a narrative that intertwines the personal with the surreal, inviting contemplation on the nature of transformation, societal shifts, and the elusive nature of perception and understanding.

The poem begins with a reflection on the past, where personal exchanges and the division of "spoils" occurred. This introduction sets a tone of nostalgia and loss, suggesting that much has changed since those times. The mention of "Zombie set-tos" adds a surreal and perhaps dystopian element, indicating a departure from the ordinary.

The attempt to locate Hell or Heaven while in the basement inspecting pipes metaphorically speaks to the search for meaning or understanding in a complex and often opaque world. The juxtaposition of the mundane task of inspecting pipes with the philosophical search for ultimate destinations like Hell or Heaven creates a striking image.

The sweet pines off the street, contrasted with what has been taken down, suggests a loss of natural beauty or simplicity in the face of development or change.

The query about where people hang their laundry and who is for sale introduces a sense of disconnection and commodification in contemporary society, where traditional practices and identities may be lost or transformed.

The imagery of a "big baboon of a moon" over Cannibal Beach evokes a sense of the wild, untamed, and perhaps threatening aspects of nature, contrasted with the civilized setting of the beauty parlor.

The mention of the "nice octagon trainer" offering comfort and the discussion of eyeglasses and product productivity reflects the commercial and consumer-oriented aspects of modern life, where value is often measured in terms of productivity and utility.

The poem then shifts to a commentary on the state of being "sexy" and how it has been unveiled and disturbed, suggesting a change in societal attitudes or perceptions about sexuality and identity.

The ending of the poem, with its "small, arched close built to contain ragged passions," emptied of them, and the description of a dale sweeping down to a sober dawn, paints a picture of a world that has been emptied of its intense emotions, leaving behind a sense of calm or emptiness.

The final lines, expressing a desire to behold the other in a state of extreme concentration, capture a longing for connection and understanding in a world that has become increasingly complex and perhaps detached.

"Desolate Beauty Parlor on Beach Avenue" is a contemplative and imaginatively constructed poem that invites readers to ponder the intricacies of change, the passage of time, and the human experience of navigating through a world filled with contrasts, transformations, and the pursuit of meaning. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery, symbolic language, and introspective narrative creates a narrative that engages deeply with the multifaceted tapestry of human existence and perception.

POEM TEXT: https://archives.newyorker.com/newyorker/1995-12-04/flipbook/072/

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