Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's "Years of Indiscretion" is a contemplative exploration of perception, time, and the human experience. The poem opens with an invitation to the reader to claim ownership of their observations and experiences, suggesting that the act of perception is both personal and universal. Ashbery's characteristic blend of vivid imagery and philosophical musings creates a space for reflection on the nature of existence and the passage of time.

The poem begins, "Whatever your eye alights on this morning is yours," establishing a direct connection between the observer and the observed. The "Dotted rhythms of colors as they fade to the color, / A grey agate, translucent and firm, with nothing / Beyond its purifying reach" evoke a sense of the ephemeral beauty of the world, suggesting that everything within our perception is subject to change and transformation. This imagery also implies a purity and clarity in moments of true observation, where the essence of things is revealed.

The metaphor of pebbles representing the seasons introduces the theme of time's cyclical nature, while the house symbolizes the potential for stability and belonging within the flux of life. Ashbery's assertion that "There are more than any of us to choose from / But each must live its own time" reflects on the individual journey each person undertakes, marked by unique choices and experiences that unfold within the broader tapestry of shared existence.

The poem then delves into the emotional and existential dimensions of this journey, characterized by "strange sensations of emptiness, anguish, romantic / Outbursts, visions and wraiths." This passage speaks to the complexity of human emotions and the ways in which they are interwoven with our perceptions of time and reality. The notion that "One meeting / Cancels another" captures the transient nature of interactions and the constant reshaping of our lives by new experiences.

The reference to "The seven-league boot / Gliding hither and thither of its own accord" introduces an element of whimsy and unpredictability, suggesting that the course of life is often beyond our control, propelled by unseen forces or by the momentum of time itself. This image salutes the ephemeral forms of existence as "Fables that time invents / To explain its passing," highlighting the role of narrative and storytelling in our attempts to make sense of the flow of time.

Ashbery's meditation on the entertainment of "The very young and the very old" by these fables underscores the universal search for meaning and understanding across generations. The poem concludes with a reflection on the merging of task and vision, where the present blurs into the past, and our continuous efforts to engage with life's challenges become a bridge connecting our past and present selves.

"Years of Indiscretion" is a rich and layered poem that invites readers to contemplate the ways in which we navigate the landscapes of time, memory, and perception. Through its evocative imagery and thoughtful exploration of the human condition, Ashbery offers a nuanced perspective on the intersections between individual experience and the universal passage of time.

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