Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Ashbery's poem "Riddle Me" is a lyrical exploration of memory, change, and the elusive nature of human relationships. Characterized by Ashbery’s signature style of abstract imagery and non-linear narrative, the poem weaves together a tapestry of thoughts and observations, creating a narrative that is both evocative and enigmatic.

The opening lines, "Rainy days are best, / There is some permanence in the angle / That things make with the ground," immediately establish a tone of contemplation and a sense of finding stability in the ordinary and the predictable. Rainy days, often seen as melancholic or introspective times, are depicted as offering a certain constancy.

The notion of "not taking off after apologies" and the image of the "speedometer's at sundown" suggest a moment of pause, a reluctance to move forward too quickly, and an awareness of the passage of time.

Ashbery's reflection that "it's better to have vague outlines / But wrapped, tightly, around one's mood / Of something like vengeful joy" speaks to the complexity of emotions and the human tendency to cling to feelings, even those that are not fully understood or that mix contrasting sentiments like vengeance and joy.

The admission "I think I liked you better when I seldom knew you" captures a common paradox in human relationships: the allure of the unknown and the change in perception that often occurs as we get to know someone more deeply.

The comparison of lovers to "hermits or cats" who "Don't know when to come in, to stop / Breaking off twigs for dinner" is a striking metaphor for the unpredictable nature of love and the difficulty of finding the right balance in relationships.

The scene at the "little station" waiting and the thirst for plans and the future introduce a sense of anticipation and a longing for what is yet to come. This is juxtaposed with a search for joy in the mundane, "looking / In the sawdust for joy."

The poem then shifts to a contemplation of the cloud that "imagines us and all that our story / Was ever going to be," suggesting that our narratives and selves are not entirely our own but are also shaped by external perceptions and forces.

Ashbery's description of the city coming to life and the notion of moving to a particular name only to fall back into death speaks to the cycle of life, ambition, and the inevitable return to a state of rest or non-existence.

The final lines, pondering past teasings that become one's mind and the sauntering figures in "mixed / Plum shade and weary sun," evoke a scene of tranquility and resignation. The poem closes with a sense of acceptance and a bittersweet appreciation of the present, "Breathless greetings and tears and lately taste / The precious supplies."

"Riddle Me" is a reflective and layered poem that invites readers to ponder themes of memory, change, relationships, and the complexity of the human experience. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery and layered meanings creates a narrative that resonates with the unpredictability and richness of life.

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