Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Fortune Cookie Crumbles" by John Ashbery presents a whimsical and introspective exploration of identity and the unpredictability of life, much like the random fortunes found in a fortune cookie. Ashbery's poem weaves a narrative that balances between self-reflection, humor, and the existential ponderings that are emblematic of his work.

The poem opens with a fortune cookie-style aphorism: "You have a kind and gentle nature." This sets a tone of playful yet insightful examination of the self. The reference to not being "overly challenged more than once" and the importance of "small things" hints at a life lived within comfortable boundaries, yet attentive to details. The act of replacing a dish and moving towards the door symbolizes the routine and mundane aspects of life, suggesting a character who is grounded in everyday realities.

The line "Just dying for attention" humorously acknowledges a universal human craving for recognition and understanding. The comparison to a tulip in a past life adds a layer of whimsy, implying a continuity and transformation of the self across different forms and experiences. The "two lips" pun and the simile of lips as "winy and luscious as a Chevy / in your dad's garage" blend the organic with the mechanical, evoking nostalgic Americana and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.

The poem takes a turn towards self-mockery with the mention of a tendency to "fly off to Europe at the slightest provocation," suggesting a privileged but perhaps superficial lifestyle. The phrase "devoid of charm" introduces a self-deprecating note, acknowledging the flaws and complexities of the speaker's character.

Ashbery plays with the concept of time and the value of the present versus the past. The line "It is likely that a viable present can be brokered" suggests an ongoing negotiation with the present moment, a common theme in Ashbery's poetry where the focus is on the transience and immediacy of experience. The assertion that "Your past is all used up now, anyway" reinforces the idea of living in the present, of moving beyond past experiences that no longer hold relevance.

The concluding lines bring in elements of nature and personal affection with "The lilies love you more than ever / now, it seems. I love you too, but my brow / is furrowed." This suggests a deep, albeit complicated, affection and concern. The final whimsical question, "what am I going to tell my shoe?" leaves the reader with a sense of the absurdity and unpredictability of life, a hallmark of Ashbery's poetic style.

"Fortune Cookie Crumbles" is a reflective, humorous, and subtly profound piece that captures the essence of Ashbery's poetic voice. It invites readers to ponder the fortunes of their own lives, the whimsy of fate, and the complex nature of self-identity.

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