Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "Variant" is a reflective and intricate exploration of language, perception, and the complexities of human experience. Known for his abstract and often enigmatic style, Ashbery constructs a narrative that oscillates between vivid imagery and philosophical reflection, inviting diverse interpretations.

The poem begins with an acknowledgment of how simple words like "Hands and feet, sun and gloves" can trigger a deeper contemplation or journey. The recognition of the word "fraught" during a conversation about "huge secret valleys" distant from the "mired fighting" introduces themes of conflict, hidden depths, and emotional weight.

The description of the valleys as "lightly wooded" and "more deeply involved with the outcome" suggests a connection between the natural world and human affairs, perhaps implying that nature is entwined with or reflective of human struggles and destinies. The reference to a future event that will "paste a black, bleeding label / In the sky" evokes a sense of impending crisis or culmination.

Ashbery's use of the phrase "the echo, flowing freely in corridors, alleys, / And tame, surprised places far from anywhere" captures the elusive and pervasive nature of sound, memory, or influence. The idea that the echo will be "automatically locked out" suggests a disconnection or a barrier between experiences and their resonance or interpretation.

The Latin phrase "vox Clamans" (crying voice) adds a layer of urgency or a call for attention, emphasizing the importance of communication and expression, even in the face of obscurity or uncertainty.

The directive "Don't try to start the car or look deeper / Into the eternal wimpling of the sky" suggests a warning or advice against overreaching or delving too deeply into mysteries that might be beyond comprehension. The imagery of "luster on luster, transparency floated onto the topmost layer" conveys a sense of beauty and complexity, like layers of understanding or perception building upon one another.

The comparison of the overflowing sky to a "silver / Wedding cake or Christmas tree, in a cascade of tears" combines celebratory and mournful elements, reflecting the dual nature of human experiences—joyful and sorrowful, profound and trivial.

In summary, "Variant" by John Ashbery is a thought-provoking poem that delves into themes of language, perception, and the interplay between the tangible and the intangible. Through a blend of concrete imagery and abstract contemplation, Ashbery invites readers to ponder the nuances of communication, the richness of experience, and the ever-evolving nature of understanding and interpretation. The poem’s open-ended narrative and evocative language offer a multifaceted reflection on the complexities of the human condition and the endless pursuit of meaning.

POEM TEXT: https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/A4IRH46ST72MDU8X/pages/AMFUAAT3KLI23H8N

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