Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Don's Bequest" by John Ashbery presents a vivid, yet abstract, meditation on the fleeting nature of existence and the pursuit of elusive goals. Ashbery's characteristic style of blending vivid imagery with a stream-of-consciousness narrative creates a complex tapestry of thought and emotion.

The poem begins with a seemingly simple activity – sliding wooden greyhounds along slots. However, this act quickly becomes a metaphor for the human pursuit of unattainable goals, symbolized by the "elusive hare" or a "particularly silvery" note of music. This metaphor reflects the human tendency to chase dreams, desires, or memories that are always just out of reach.

The greyhounds, "dispiritingly spirited," embody the relentless yet futile chase for these elusive targets, which could represent anything from tangible goals to abstract concepts like happiness or fulfillment. The mention of a ship's bow and a distant memory adds a layer of nostalgia and longing to this pursuit.

Ashbery then shifts the focus to the temporal nature of life – "the race ends soon, soon enough to be over." This line underscores the brevity of human existence and the impending finality that awaits all pursuits. In response to this realization, the speaker attempts to ground these fleeting moments by "spraying" them with "Florida water," symbolizing an effort to preserve and make sense of these ephemeral experiences.

The image of a "beard through the judas peephole" suggests a brief, obscured glimpse into something significant or revealing, yet it remains just out of clear view, much like the understanding of life's deeper meanings.

The poem moves through different scenes and images – a barren February street, a land everyone "landed on," and a departure in a "hot-air balloon." These shifting scenes reflect the transient and ever-changing nature of life and experiences. The mention of a "bequest to the land" implies leaving a legacy or imparting something of value, despite the impermanence of life.

Ashbery's reference to the "currants" and the "whole bushel" metaphorically speaks to sharing life's joys and sorrows, the communal aspect of existence where individual desires intersect with collective experiences.

The poem concludes with a call to embrace life's uncertainties and challenges – "chafing and wondering." This phrase encapsulates the essence of human existence, marked by discomfort, curiosity, and the constant search for meaning.

"Don's Bequest" invites readers to reflect on the ephemeral nature of life, the pursuit of elusive dreams, and the shared journey of human existence. Ashbery's rich imagery and fluid narrative create a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the complexity and beauty of life's transient moments.

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