The Palace at 4 a.m.

"The Palace at 4 a.m." is a poem by the American writer and artist, John Ashbery. It explores themes of perception, reality, and the complexities of time. The poem captures a moment of introspection, reflecting on the fluidity of thoughts and emotions while contrasting the dreamlike quality of night with the rigid structure of daily life. Its imagery and fragmented structure invite readers to appreciate the subtleties of human experience, blending the ordinary with the surreal. Overall, it challenges conventional narratives, prompting deeper contemplation about our inner worlds.