Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's "Young Prince and the Young Princess" is a narrative poem that weaves together themes of innocence, growth, and the journey through life's landscapes, both literal and metaphorical. The poem's evocative imagery and lyrical quality invite readers into a reflective exploration of companionship, the passage of time, and the nature of memory.

The opening scene, with the young prince and princess traversing a meadow, sets the stage for a tale of adventure and shared experience. The prince, "a child of thirteen / In a man's business suit far too big for you," symbolizes the premature thrusting of responsibility upon the young, highlighting the contrast between youth and the expectations of maturity. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the innocence and vulnerability that characterize the early stages of life's journey.

The act of picking berries and setting them on a stump for consumption introduces a moment of simplicity and sustenance, emblematic of the small joys and necessities that punctuate our existence. Yet, the inevitability of "lateness" and the appearance of crows from the west infuse the narrative with a sense of foreboding, suggesting the encroachment of time and the darker aspects of life.

The "solid block of darkness / In which we are imprisoned" metaphorically represents the challenges and uncertainties that confine human experience. The refusal of the young prince to examine this darkness, opting instead for sleep, reflects a desire for escape or denial in the face of life's complexities. The narrator's hearing of horses in sleep, carrying the prince away, underscores the theme of separation and the transformative power of dreams and the subconscious.

The transition from night to morning signifies renewal and the continuation of the journey "Into the heavenly wilderness." The intervention of strangers who feed the travelers underscores the kindness and connection that can be found even in the most unexpected places, highlighting a sense of community and support that sustains us.

As the narrative progresses to a "different" night, the description of the princess's feet barely touching the grass and the moths bumping against the narrator's "incandescent head" evokes a sense of otherworldliness and transformation. The journey has instilled confidence and a deep bond between the two, altering their relationship with the natural world and each other.

The poem concludes with the vision of waking up from a fall "into the white, precious sky," a metaphor for transcendence and the ultimate liberation from life's constraints. The final statement, "That is how we lived, you and I," serves as a testament to the shared experiences, challenges, and growth that define the essence of their journey together.

"Young Prince and the Young Princess" is a lyrical meditation on the journey of life, marked by Ashbery's characteristic blend of vivid imagery, emotional depth, and philosophical inquiry. Through its exploration of youth, companionship, and the inevitable passage of time, the poem offers a nuanced reflection on the ways in which we navigate the landscapes of existence, seeking meaning and connection amidst the flux of change.

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