Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Corrupt Text" by John Ashbery is a thoughtfully layered and visually rich poem that delves into themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of human experience. Ashbery, known for his intricate and often abstract poetry, crafts a narrative that is both evocative and elusive, inviting deep contemplation on the nature of personal growth and the passage of time.

The poem opens with the line "The child is feather to the man," suggesting the lightness and potential of childhood in shaping adult identity. The mention of mice not brooding and the race to the pie introduces a playful, almost whimsical tone, contrasting with the more profound implications of growth and maturation.

The imagery of an encomium in the sky rewarding those who notice it speaks to the idea of recognition and appreciation, perhaps of the small or overlooked aspects of life.

The speaker's admission, "This isn’t the way I meant to live / but I must or will have to move," reflects a sense of resignation or compromise, a common human experience of adjusting to life's realities.

The reference to "broader streets" and video preference startling a "dozing anomaly" suggests the intrusion of modern, possibly technological, elements into a more tranquil or traditional setting.

The desire for everything to be "clean / and tasting of only distance and water" conveys a longing for purity, simplicity, and perhaps escape from the complexities of life.

The surreal image of a stairway in the speaker's pocket and pheasants on the railway adds to the poem's dreamlike quality, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

The speaker's declaration of having only wanted to be the listener's instructor, and admitting to falling for "his pencil sharpener," suggests a relationship dynamic marked by teaching, learning, and perhaps deception or misunderstanding.

The mention of the sharpener making him "difficult and complicated" over time speaks to the transformative impact of relationships and experiences on a person's character and complexity.

The closing lines, "Now is only sun, sunstrife and sea," strip the narrative down to elemental forces, perhaps symbolizing a return to the basics or an acceptance of the fundamental aspects of existence.

"Corrupt Text" is a contemplative and visually compelling poem that invites readers to ponder the intricacies of growth, memory, and the human condition. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and abstract thought creates a narrative that resonates with the richness and depth of the human experience.

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