John Ashbery's Anticipated Stranger: The rounds of pain and death in the ward of life

The Rounds of Pain and Death in the ward of life

This poem reminds me of Gautam Buddha's four noble truths -- an interesting way of talking about the rounds of pain and death as if this was a doctor's ward and pain, suffering and death were making rounds.  

In the poem, John Ashbery seems to talk how cyclical nature pain and anguish are in life. These experiences seem to haunt the speaker, like an ever-present companion, reminding them of the transient and vulnerable nature of existence.

The "anticipated stranger" takes on a profound significance, symbolizing death itself. As the poem progresses, the poet implies that death is the ultimate resolution to life's sufferings—a force that puts an end to all uncertainties and breaks the repetitive cycles of pain. Initially pain is taking the rounds and almost memorializing it by taking notes.  Then a bruise "will stop by later"; in the end death, anticipated but unknown, comes at its appointed time, concluding the journey of life with finality.

Throughout the lines, the poem seems to question the purpose and meaning behind these cycles of pain, and the lines "What the hell / did you think you were doing? I mean . . . / Oh well, less said the better, they all say. / I’ll post this at the desk" allude to the human struggle to understand the enigmatic nature of existence and the inevitability of mortality. These lines reflect the notion that, in the face of life's mysteries, some truths are better left unspoken or unknown.

In the final lines, "God will find the pattern and break it," the poet touches on the concept of a higher power or cosmic force that orchestrates the rhythm of life and death. Death, in this context, becomes the decisive agent, putting an end to all human suffering and uncertainties. It is the ultimate equalizer that transcends the complexities of earthly existence. In that sense the "anticipated stranger" embodies death's transformative power, serving as a reminder to embrace life while acknowledging its inevitable conclusion.