Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Corpus, Cambridge" is a poem that explores the theme of memory and the passage of time. The poem was first published in Powys's collection of poems, Wolf's Bane, in 1921. The poem is written in free verse, without a strict rhyme or meter, allowing the poem to flow naturally and reflect the organic nature of memory.

The content of the poem takes the form of a meditation on the speaker's memories of a past love. The speaker reflects on the changes that have taken place in his life and the world around him, and how those changes have affected his memories. For example, he mentions "the war" and "the new régime" which are likely references to World War I and the political and social changes that followed. The speaker acknowledges that memories are not static but are shaped by the passage of time and the experiences that come after them. 

These changes are significant because they demonstrate how the speaker's memories are not fixed or unchanging, but are instead shaped by the events that come after them. The poem suggests that memories are not just a reflection of the past, but are also affected by the present and the future.

The poem is characterized by its use of vivid and evocative imagery. For example, the image of the "marble" statue, which is immutable and unchanging, reflects the idea of the past as something solid and permanent, while the image of the "gilded finials" represents the fleeting nature of beauty and the transience of life.

The speaker reflects on the beauty of the memories, but also the pain that comes with the realization that they can never be recaptured. The speaker grapples with the idea of holding onto memories while acknowledging the reality of change and the passage of time.

Overall, "Corpus, Cambridge" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the theme of memory and the passage of time. The poem's use of free verse, imagery, and language creates a sense of depth and meaning that has resonated with readers for over a century. The poem's message of the importance of holding onto memories while acknowledging the reality of change has a universal appeal that has made it a lasting testament to the enduring power of poetry to explore the human experience.

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