Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Two Poems on the Passing of an Empire: 2" by Derek Walcott explores themes of aging, disillusionment, and the futility of war, using the figure of an old veteran to reflect on the decline of British imperial power. The poem’s imagery of a "small coffin" and the physical deterioration of the pensioner evoke the personal decline of a man whose life was shaped by the empire, while the references to war and patriotic songs create a stark contrast between the grand ideals of empire and the painful reality of its aftermath.

The poem opens by describing the veteran sitting in "the small coffin of his house," an image that immediately suggests confinement, death, and the limits of his life. The house is likened to a coffin, symbolizing not only the physical space he occupies but also the metaphorical death of his former self and the empire he served. The veteran, once part of the British military in Africa, is now bent over, as though threading "an eternal needle." This act of threading could symbolize his efforts to piece together or make sense of his past, but the "eternal" nature of the task suggests futility, as if he is caught in an endless, unresolvable cycle of reflection.

The veteran is described as "one-eyed as any grave," highlighting both his physical and emotional deterioration. His "cropped wool" skull suggests age, vulnerability, and perhaps a loss of identity, as his once-strong military persona has been reduced to this frail image. His "desert squint" evokes memories of his time in the African campaign, where the harsh conditions of war have left their mark on him, physically and mentally.

Despite his decline, the veteran is still connected to the patriotic ideals of his past, as he hears children singing "Rule, Britannia, rule." This famous British patriotic song, which glorifies the empire and its naval power, contrasts sharply with the veteran’s current state. The line "as if they needed practice to play dead" suggests a grim irony: the children, singing songs of national pride and dominance, are unwittingly preparing themselves for the sacrifices that await them in future wars. The phrase "play dead" hints at the inevitable loss of life that comes with empire and war, as the cycle of glorifying military power continues, even as the empire itself fades.

Walcott underscores the futility of war and sacrifice with the line, "Boys will still pour their blood out for a sieve." The image of blood being poured into a sieve, something that cannot hold or retain it, highlights the senseless waste of life in war. The veteran’s "balsam eye" and "doddering jaw" further emphasize his physical decline, and his inability to change the course of history or prevent future generations from repeating the same mistakes. His "balsam eye" suggests both a literal and metaphorical healing or soothing, but it is clear that no amount of balm can ease the pain of what he has witnessed.

The poem ends with a question: "And if one eye should weep, would they believe / In such a poor flag as an empty sleeve?" This closing image of an "empty sleeve" is a powerful symbol of loss, likely referring to the veteran’s missing arm or limb, an injury sustained in service to the empire. The empty sleeve stands as a metaphor for the hollow nature of the empire’s promises and ideals. The weeping eye suggests that the veteran still feels the emotional weight of his experiences, but the question implies doubt as to whether the younger generation—those still singing patriotic songs—would truly understand or believe in the sacrifices made for a flag that now feels empty and meaningless.

In "Two Poems on the Passing of an Empire: 2," Derek Walcott critiques the glorification of empire and war, using the figure of an aging veteran to illustrate the personal and collective disillusionment that comes with the decline of imperial power. The poem juxtaposes the patriotic songs of children with the harsh reality of the veteran’s life, emphasizing the futility of war and the emptiness of the ideals for which so many have sacrificed. Through rich imagery and a tone of quiet resignation, Walcott reflects on the personal costs of empire and the inevitable fading of its grandeur.

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