Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Free Nail Polish" by John Ashbery presents a vivid tapestry of images and ideas, characteristic of Ashbery's style. The poem, with its seemingly disconnected thoughts and observations, captures the essence of the stream-of-consciousness technique, revealing the complexity and randomness of human thought.

The opening line, "Cool enough. Granted," immediately sets a casual, conversational tone, inviting the reader into an intimate space of reflection and observation. The mention of a woman with "beautiful legs" introduces a theme of physical beauty and its perception, suggesting how external appearances can captivate and distract. This idea is further explored through the imagery of "the apron of her success" and "the tank top of her access to the secrets of the great and philosophic," implying that there is more to her than meets the eye. She is not just a figure of beauty but also a symbol of success and access to deeper, more profound knowledge.

The speaker's admission, "I need a tragic future to invest in," reveals a longing for something substantial and meaningful, a desire to engage with life's deeper complexities. This longing is juxtaposed with the arrival of "a slow train from Podunk," representing the mundane, everyday reality that contrasts with the speaker's aspirations. The description of the "ironed faces of the passengers" further emphasizes the routine and unremarkable nature of daily life.

Ashbery's use of imagery, such as "the mooing woods" and "wire fences deep within some parts of them," adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the poem. It suggests that beneath the surface of ordinary life, there are hidden depths and unknown territories to explore. The reference to a bug's trajectory over "the wallpaper's lilac lozenges" highlights the speaker's attention to minute details, reflecting the human capacity to find significance in seemingly trivial things.

"Free Nail Polish" is a poem that dances on the edges of coherence, inviting readers to make their own connections and find their own meanings in its rich tapestry of images and ideas. It exemplifies Ashbery's ability to capture the fluidity and complexity of human thought, making the ordinary seem extraordinary and the mundane, mesmerizing.

POEM TEXT: https://archives.newyorker.com/newyorker/1994-02-14/flipbook/088/

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