Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Problem of Anxiety" by John Ashbery presents a reflective and subtly poignant exploration of the passage of time, the persistence of uncertainty, and the selective nature of memory and narrative. Ashbery, known for his intricate and often ambiguous poetry, weaves a narrative that touches on themes of aging, personal history, and the complexities of human experience.

The poem opens with the acknowledgment of fifty years passing since the speaker began living in "those dark towns," instantly setting a tone of reflection and perhaps a sense of stagnation or unresolved issues. The admission "not much has changed" and the speaker's continued confusion about navigating simple paths in the town metaphorically suggest a deeper sense of disorientation or inability to find clarity in life's journey.

The imagery of apple trees blossoming "in the cold, not from conviction" evokes a sense of resilience or the natural progression of life, despite the lack of purpose or understanding. The comparison of the speaker's hair to "dandelion fluff" symbolizes aging and the transient nature of youth and beauty.

The poem then shifts to a hypothetical scenario where the poem is about the reader, questioning whether omitted themes of "pain, and sex, and how shiftily / people behave toward each other" would be included. This rhetorical question highlights the selective nature of storytelling and the poet's choice to focus on seemingly mundane or less dramatic aspects of life.

Ashbery's choice to "save the descriptions of chicken sandwiches, / and the glass eye that stares at me in amazement / from the bronze mantel" for the reader emphasizes the value found in ordinary, everyday objects and experiences. The mention of a glass eye that will "never be appeased" introduces an element of the uncanny or unresolved tension, suggesting that there are aspects of life or consciousness that remain inscrutable or perpetually unsatisfied.

In summary, "Problem of Anxiety" is a contemplative and nuanced poem that delves into the enduring uncertainties of life, the process of aging, and the selective nature of memory and narrative construction. Through vivid imagery and philosophical musings, Ashbery invites readers to consider the complexities of human experience, the passage of time, and the ways in which we choose to remember and narrate our lives. The poem's subtle tone and evocative language offer a rich tapestry of reflection on the personal and universal aspects of existence.

POEM TEXT: https://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php%3Fdate=2007%252F08%252F05.html

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