Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Eisenhower Sure Program Will Give Farmer a Fair Shake" by John Ashbery is a characteristically enigmatic poem, showcasing the poet's signature style of weaving disparate elements into a tapestry of abstract imagery and obscure references. The title itself sets the tone for a blend of historical context and ambiguity, possibly alluding to former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and a program related to agricultural policy. However, Ashbery's work often defies direct interpretation, and this poem is no exception.

The poem begins with a personal, almost intimate tone, "His books get under my wheels." This phrase suggests a sense of obstruction or interference, possibly metaphorical, indicating how certain ideas or influences can pervade and hinder one's journey or thought process. The books, perhaps representing knowledge or doctrine, become physical impediments, an intriguing image that blends the intellectual with the tangible.

The next line, "Scratchy dust not pollen," contrasts the irritating, perhaps unproductive nature of dust with the fertile, life-giving potential of pollen. This juxtaposition may reflect a commentary on the nature of certain ideas or ideologies – some are barren and irksome, while others are fruitful and productive.

"Pressure not seaworthiness" further extends this theme of contrast and opposition. Pressure could symbolize the stresses and demands of life or societal expectations, while seaworthiness implies resilience, stability, and the ability to navigate through challenges. The poet seems to be delineating the difference between being merely pressured by external forces and possessing an inherent capability to withstand and move through difficulties.

"Omphale not certain of birthmark" introduces a classical reference. Omphale was a queen in Greek mythology, known for her relationship with Hercules. The uncertainty about a birthmark could symbolize doubts about identity, heritage, or destiny. In the context of the poem, this line could be exploring themes of self-knowledge, uncertainty, and the complexity of human identity.

"Gasping not shyly swimming ably to a bruise" presents an image of struggle versus graceful endurance. Gasping indicates a struggle for survival or comprehension, while "swimming ably to a bruise" suggests a more deliberate movement towards pain or difficulty, perhaps acknowledging and confronting challenges directly.

The poem concludes with "O last labor-cut adjective!" which could be an exclamation about the finality or culmination of an effort or a journey. The phrase "labor-cut" evokes the notion of work being abruptly ended or truncated. The term "adjective" might be referring to the descriptive nature of language and how it shapes our understanding of experiences.

Overall, "Eisenhower Sure Program Will Give Farmer a Fair Shake" is a dense, allusive poem that resists straightforward interpretation. Its fragmentary structure, contrasting images, and blend of personal, historical, and mythological references are typical of Ashbery's poetic approach, inviting the reader to navigate through layers of meaning and ambiguity.

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