Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Implicit Fog" by John Ashbery unfolds as a contemplative reflection on the passage of time and the blurred boundaries between seasons and experiences. The poem's title itself, "Implicit Fog," suggests a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, a theme that resonates throughout the piece.

The opening lines, "We began adulating / what we were staring at," imply a deep engagement or fixation with something, perhaps the passing of time or the changing of seasons. This fixation is both mesmerizing and perplexing, much like the complexity of life itself.

The mention of "following the paths in the music" could symbolize the journey of life, with its twists and turns, or the way in which we navigate our experiences, guided by an unseen force or rhythm. The whimsical image of "patting myself dry / under a toadstool" adds a touch of whimsy and fantasy, suggesting a retreat into imagination or a desire to find shelter in a world that is often unpredictable and confusing.

The intertwining of winter and spring speaks to the unpredictable nature of life and the seasons. It's as if the natural order is disrupted, reflecting the often chaotic and unexpected events in our own lives. This tangling of seasons could also represent the intermingling of past and present, memory and experience.

The end of summer is depicted as a "quiet, driven day / out under the trees / in folding chairs," evoking a sense of calm resignation or acceptance. The image of "troops ejected from a local bar" adds a layer of displacement or disruption, hinting at the idea that even in moments of peace, there can be underlying tensions or unrest.

The poem closes with "It got lovely and then a little hirsute," a line that encapsulates the essence of the poem: the beauty and complexity of life, interspersed with moments of clarity and confusion. The word "hirsute," meaning hairy, adds a tactile, almost tangible quality to the experience, as if to remind us of the raw, unfiltered nature of our existence.

Overall, "Implicit Fog" is a meditation on the passage of time, the fluidity of seasons, and the intricate dance of life. Ashbery's use of rich imagery and nuanced language invites the reader to embrace the beauty and complexity of the world, despite its inherent uncertainties and ambiguities.

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