Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lost Profile" by John Ashbery is a multifaceted poem that delves into themes of displacement, nostalgia, and the elusive nature of identity. Ashbery employs a stream-of-consciousness style, mixing vivid imagery with disjointed thoughts, to create a sense of disorientation and longing.

The poem opens with "Hierarchy of the Unexpected," suggesting a world where the unpredictable reigns supreme. The speaker expresses a desire to explain something yet acknowledges unreadiness, hinting at a struggle with articulation or comprehension. The use of non-sequiturs reflects the chaotic nature of thoughts and experiences, and the speaker questions the reliability of communication, asking, "will you hear me?"

The imagery of being alone in a glade or dell illustrates the speaker's feelings of isolation and uncertainty about the future. The mention of a "hamper of dog food" and a hopeful star adds a touch of surrealism, juxtaposing mundane details with grander, more abstract concepts.

In "Lost Profile," the speaker reflects on a lost voice, symbolizing a loss of identity or agency. The imagery of a "braid falling over the front / of my forehead-house" suggests a former self or a past life that is no longer accessible. The reference to "cream separators" and a guide interpreting it as a compliment injects a sense of absurdity, emphasizing the speaker's disconnection from reality.

The poem shifts to a more urban setting with the "lady on the next bar-stool," where a misunderstanding occurs. This interaction highlights the speaker's alienation and the difficulty of connecting with others. The idea of an "old dark house" movie becomes a metaphor for an unattainable or misunderstood destination.

In the final stanza, the speaker transforms into a "mad Chinese monk," chasing an elusive temple. This pursuit symbolizes the search for meaning, purpose, or a sense of belonging. The temple's possible nonexistence raises questions about the validity of our quests and the reality of our goals.

"Lost Profile" concludes with the speaker finding a moment of peace, standing and breathing in an atmosphere charged with "pure lightning" and "benevolent thunder." This moment of clarity is fleeting, as the light recedes, and the speaker acknowledges a time of happiness that was short-lived. The poem ends on a note of resignation, accepting the impermanence of joy and the realization that dreams, whether oppressive or liberating, are an inescapable part of the human condition.

Overall, "Lost Profile" is a complex exploration of the human psyche, grappling with the challenges of understanding oneself and connecting with the world. Ashbery's use of dreamlike imagery and disjointed narrative creates a sense of wandering through a landscape of memory and imagination, where meaning is elusive and identity is constantly in flux.

POEM TEXT: https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v21/n19/john-ashbery/two-poems

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