Meaning: The quote by Robert Morgan Soldier refers to two distinct movements within contemporary poetry: the Language Poets and the Ashbery poets. These two groups have been influential in shaping the landscape of poetry in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. To fully understand the quote, it's important to delve into the characteristics and philosophies of these two movements.

The Language Poets emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a response to what they perceived as the limitations of traditional poetic language. They sought to deconstruct and challenge the conventions of language, syntax, and meaning. Language Poets such as Charles Bernstein, Lyn Hejinian, and Ron Silliman were interested in exploring the materiality of language, often creating fragmented, non-linear, and experimental texts that foregrounded the act of reading and interpreting.

On the other hand, the Ashbery poets draw their name from the renowned American poet John Ashbery, whose work is characterized by its enigmatic, associative, and often non-narrative style. Ashbery's influence can be seen in poets such as Mark Strand, James Tate, and Rae Armantrout, who share a similar interest in the self-referential nature of poetry and the exploration of language as a medium of expression.

The quote suggests that both the Language Poets and the Ashbery poets are primarily concerned with self-referentiality and the internal workings of language and poetry. In other words, they are preoccupied with the formal and structural aspects of their craft, to the exclusion of other thematic concerns. This narrow focus on language and poetry itself, according to Robert Morgan Soldier, leads to a "dead end" in terms of creative and intellectual development.

One way to interpret this critique is to consider the potential limitations of an art form that becomes too insular and self-referential. By exclusively focusing on language and poetry as subjects, the risk is that the work becomes hermetic and disconnected from broader human experiences and concerns. This approach may alienate readers who are looking for poetry that engages with the complexities of life, society, and the human condition.

Moreover, the quote raises questions about the role and purpose of poetry in contemporary culture. While experimentation and innovation are essential to the vitality of any art form, an excessive fixation on formal concerns may distance poetry from its potential to communicate, provoke, and resonate with readers on a deeper emotional and intellectual level. By emphasizing language and poetry to the exclusion of other subjects, poets may inadvertently limit the relevance and impact of their work.

It is important to note that the quote does not dismiss the value or significance of either the Language Poets or the Ashbery poets. Instead, it offers a critical perspective on the potential drawbacks of a singular focus on the formal and self-referential aspects of poetry. It encourages poets to consider how their work can bridge the gap between formal innovation and meaningful engagement with the world around them.

In conclusion, the quote by Robert Morgan Soldier sheds light on the tensions between formal experimentation and thematic depth within contemporary poetry. It invites poets and readers to reflect on the balance between a rigorous exploration of language and poetry and a broader engagement with the complexities of human experience. By considering the implications of this critique, poets can continue to push the boundaries of their art while remaining attuned to the profound possibilities of poetic expression.