John Ashbery: 'I don't look on poetry as closed works. I feel they're going on all the time in my head and I occasionally snip off a length.'

I don't look on poetry as closed works. I feel they're going on all the time in my head and I occasionally snip off a length.

In the realm of creative expression, poetry holds a unique position as a form that is ever-evolving and deeply personal. John Ashbery, an American poet known for his innovative and often enigmatic works, once said, "I don't look on poetry as closed works. I feel they're going on all the time in my head and I occasionally snip off a length." This quote encapsulates the fluidity and constant nature of poetry in a poet's mind. Ashbery suggests that poetry is not confined to finished pieces but rather an ongoing process, perpetually unfurling within the confines of one's thoughts. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this quote, and delve into an unexpected philosophical concept to provide an intriguing multidimensional perspective.At its core, Ashbery's quote speaks to the notion that poetry is not merely a static creation but a dynamic and continuous act of creative exploration. It implies that the creative mind of a poet is a fertile ground where the seeds of poetry are constantly being sown, nourished, and harvested. Poetry, for Ashbery, is not something that unfolds only when pen meets paper, but rather an invisible thread interweaving thoughts and experiences, ideas and emotions, in a ceaseless dance within his own consciousness.This perspective challenges the traditional notion of poetry as finite, complete works. Instead, Ashbery proposes that poetry is an organic process that defies boundaries and timeframes. It is an art form that does not rely solely on the tangible manifestation of words on a page but also on the intangible, the fleeting moments of inspiration, and the never-ending stream of consciousness.To delve deeper into this exploration, let us introduce the philosophical concept of Heraclitus' doctrine of flux. Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher, posited that change is the fundamental essence of reality. He famously stated, "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river, and he's not the same man." This philosophical concept aligns intriguingly with Ashbery's perspective on poetry.Just as Heraclitus conceived the world as in a constant state of flux, Ashbery's quote suggests that poetry, too, is perpetually in motion. It resonates with Heraclitus' conviction that existence is dynamic and ever-changing, never stagnant or fixed. The act of "snipping off a length" becomes comparable to dipping a cup into the flowing river of inspiration, capturing a fragment of the eternal flux that the poet experiences within.In this juxtaposition, we can see the beauty and profound nature of Ashbery's insight. It teaches us that as creators, we must embrace the idea that our artistic endeavors are not confined to finished works alone but rather a lifelong voyage of discovery. Like Heraclitus, Ashbery reminds us that to fully appreciate the essence of poetry, we must acknowledge its intrinsic connection to the ever-flowing river of existence.Throughout history, some poets have strived to reach the pinnacle of producing definitive works that stand the test of time. However, Ashbery's quote challenges this conventional approach. It encourages us to embrace the idea that poetry can be found not only in the carefully curated and polished verses but also in the raw thoughts, the half-formed ideas, and the snippets of inspiration that permeate our daily lives. It celebrates the imperfections, the fluidity, and the boundless possibilities that arise when we view poetry as an ongoing dialogue with ourselves and the world around us.In conclusion, John Ashbery's quote encapsulates a profound perspective on poetry as an unfolding process within the poet's mind. It encourages us to question the notion of poetry as closed, finished works and invites us to explore the constant flow of inspiration and creative thought. By introducing the philosophical concept of Heraclitus' doctrine of flux, we gain a broader understanding of the significance of Ashbery's words. Together, they illuminate the connection between poetry and the ever-changing nature of existence, reminding us that the act of creation is not confined to specific moments but is a continuous, ever-evolving journey.