Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In the poem "The Ballade of Dead Cities; To Andrew Lang," Edmund William Gosse questions the impermanence of civilizations and their creations. Inspired by Andrew Lang's original poem, "Ballade of Dead Cities," Gosse continues the theme of musing on the cities of the past, demonstrating the fleeting nature of human achievements.

In the first three stanzas, Gosse lists several ancient cities, which were once considered grand and indestructible, yet have all crumbled with time. He mentions the biblical cities of the plain, Shinar, and Calah, evoking images of their past glory and eventual downfall. He also refers to Egyptian cities Karnak and Luxor, renowned for their extraordinary architecture and scripture. Lastly, he inquires about Shushan (or Susa), an ancient city of Persia, known for its opulence and history.

Gosse uses powerful imagery, such as the "jackal and the owl," "dark snakes," and echoes fading in a shell, to emphasize the cities' current desolation. He underscores how even the most splendid creations can fall into decay and be overrun by nature or time, embodying oblivion and loss.

In the "Envoy," Gosse addresses a prince, representing the rulers who once presided over these grand cities. He paints a somber picture of their former glory being consumed by the "waters of oblivion." Here, the water serves as a metaphor for time and forgetting, suggesting that all human constructs, regardless of their initial grandeur, are doomed to be forgotten.

Through this poignant poem, Gosse conveys a potent reminder of the transience of human civilizations and achievements, inviting us to reflect on our own temporal existence and endeavors. Despite the melancholic tone, it also encourages an appreciation of the present moment, recognizing the fleeting yet precious nature of our individual and collective histories.

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