Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Leasing of September" by John Ashbery unfolds as a reflective and somewhat melancholic poem, intertwining themes of change, memory, and the passage of time. The imagery and narrative structure evoke a sense of nostalgia and the transient nature of life's moments.

The poem opens with a "sleeping map" that lies green, a metaphor possibly alluding to the unexplored potential or uncharted territories of life. The reference to youth and its inherent attractiveness suggests a looking back to a time of vitality and possibility. The "pastures of heaped-up, thickened white light" evoke a dreamlike, almost surreal landscape, enhancing the sense of reminiscence and introspection.

The mention of "figurines" and "Latin freemasonry in the corners" adds a layer of mystery and depth to the poem, hinting at hidden meanings and undisclosed secrets. These elements could symbolize the complexities and hidden layers of the past or the intricacies of relationships and experiences that shape our lives.

The transition to a more personal narrative occurs with the mention of "you" stepping into a blue taxi. This scene marks a departure, both literal and metaphorical, and introduces a sense of loss and longing. The speaker's eyes, "in keeping with the beauty of you as they saw it," suggest an idealized or romanticized memory, further emphasized by the comparison to a "swallow perpetuated in dove-gray dusk." This bird metaphor captures the essence of fleeting beauty and the ephemeral nature of moments that linger in memory.

The poem then delves into the complexities of love and memory. The love described is tangible, like a "partly unpacked trunk," indicating something substantial yet not fully revealed or understood. This metaphor could represent the unresolved or unprocessed emotions and experiences that linger in the mind.

As the poem concludes, the speaker reflects on the nature of departures, both normal and abnormal, and the recognition or lack thereof under the "metal." This could imply a barrier or shield that obscures true understanding or visibility. The final lines underscore the theme of change and memory, suggesting that the way we remember events and people can differ from how they were experienced in the moment.

"Leasing of September" is a contemplative piece that invites readers to ponder the complexities of past experiences, the nature of memory, and the inevitable changes that time brings. Ashbery's use of rich imagery and layered metaphors creates a deeply evocative and thought-provoking poem.

POEM TEXT: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TwaV7XujlL3ZtCdE5ICecN5mi9QRfSgwlO40_sypVYA/edit

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