Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Stanzas Before Time" by John Ashbery opens with a serene and contemplative tone, employing vivid and somewhat whimsical imagery to explore themes of nature, the passage of time, and human interaction with the environment.

The poem begins with the phrase, "Quietly as if it could be / otherwise," which immediately sets a mood of gentle inevitability. The ocean, personified as a female entity, is depicted in a moment of retreat, "slinking back into her panties." This anthropomorphic portrayal of the ocean is both intimate and playful, suggesting a familiar and somewhat whimsical relationship between nature and the observer. The ocean's motion is natural and rhythmic, yet Ashbery infuses it with a sense of modesty and coyness, as if the ocean were a bashful character in a larger narrative.

The reference to "reefs" and the "incurious red fish" swimming in schools introduces a sense of calm and undisturbed existence within the marine environment. The fish, described as "ditsily" floating, add a light-hearted tone to the poem. The rhetorical question, "wondering which school is best," can be interpreted both literally, in terms of fish swimming in schools, and metaphorically, reflecting human concerns about education, choices, and directions in life.

The final lines of the poem shift the focus from the natural world to a human perspective. The speaker expresses a desire to take the ocean for a drive in a "flivver," an old-fashioned term for a cheap car or jalopy. This quirky and somewhat anachronistic image creates a bridge between the grandeur of the ocean and the simplicity of human life. The use of "Miss Ocean" as an address further personifies the sea, lending it a character that is approachable and relatable.

In "Stanzas Before Time," Ashbery crafts a brief yet evocative meditation on the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The poem's imagery is both charming and thought-provoking, inviting readers to consider our place within the vast and ever-changing landscape of nature. The playful tone and imaginative language are characteristic of Ashbery's style, blending whimsy with a deeper sense of contemplation and reverence for the natural world.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...