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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
The poem begins with a command to an "enormous shadow" to either disappear or reveal both the visible and invisible aspects of the past three decades. This shadow could symbolize the passage of time or a looming presence that has obscured clarity or understanding. Ashbery then brings us into the heart of New York City with references to iconic landmarks like the Flatiron Building and Grand Army Plaza. These symbols of urban development and architectural grandeur are intertwined with pop culture through the mention of a "Bust of Rita Hayworth," a famous actress and cultural icon of the mid-20th century. The poem shifts to the "crass waste places of Astoria," indicating a contrast between the celebrated parts of the city and its neglected areas. This juxtaposition continues as the imagery moves from urban landscapes to natural scenes. The mention of "Pine needles, a moth on leaves, A pine trunk, a birch tree" evokes a sense of tranquility and untouched beauty, contrasting with the bustling city life. The reference to "Escapees from an Ansel Adams show" suggests that these natural elements are like artworks that have somehow found their way into the urban environment, further blurring the lines between the natural and the man-made. Ashbery paints scenes of everyday life in the city, with "Pictures of July afternoons Outside the little zoo, An elderly woman eating ice cream." These moments of simplicity and pleasure stand in stark contrast to the grandeur of the city's landmarks and the natural world's serene beauty. The poem then takes us back to the city, with mentions of "Sailors in Times Square" and "Signs in Times Square," indicating the vibrant, ever-changing nature of urban life. The mention of "Sailors in Bethesda Fountain" and "Figures in the piazza" add a sense of movement and life to the cityscape. Finally, Ashbery transports us out of the city to a rural setting with "the long green Tunnel of the Taconic," possibly referring to the Taconic State Parkway, a route that runs through New York State. The imagery of "Birches, pines, Needles, moths, leaves" reinforces the natural beauty and peacefulness of the countryside. The poem concludes with a memory of a "Bull moose in a Maine lake, Summer 1971," a specific and personal image that stands in contrast to the more general city and nature scenes. This ending brings a sense of nostalgia and personal reflection, grounding the poem in a specific time and place. In "Town and Country," Ashbery masterfully weaves together disparate elements of urban and rural life, creating a complex and layered exploration of the relationship between nature and the city, the passage of time, and the enduring power of memory.
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