The Immortal Mortal

Another old one found in a folder back when I was just getting started as a writer. See notes below about this one. Again, not one of my best but has a point.

The Immortal Mortal

 

 

Bronze muscles,

Flexed in memory

Of the hero

It represents,

Upon the pedestal

Of marble.

A plaque below

That reads,

"Forever".

 

Little children

Play beneath

Its solid feets.

 

("Who was he?")

 

They continue

Their play,

Unaware.

 

The word reads,

"Forever".

 

Legion

3APR85

 

Author's Note

This was written in response to an argument I had with one of my teachers in school over "Ozymandius" by Percy Byshe Shelley (chk sp). If I remember correctly the sign in the poem said something to the effect of "Look upon my kingdom and despair." while the statue of Ozymandius stood out in the middle of a wasteland. My teacher stated that Shelley meant that Ozymandius was a fool to think that his kingdom would last forever. I argued that perhaps Ozymandius was not a fool but a very wise person and knew that eventually his kingdom would vanish back into nothing thus the "...and despair" part of the message. My teacher didn't like that and gave me a low grade on the assignment. No biggie though. I still passed that class with an A. :)

Reviews

[1809 Black Plague Decem..]

wow, I agree with you so much. I love the aspect of the poem,
the children are taunting , almost angelically menacing,
and then an empire going to its crumble, decadance,
all empires in history have fallen and others rise,
don't know why, or the justifications of such,
great write, so glad you got an A, :) x mishel

[Jo Anna Bella]

The title pulled me in but the verse kept me interested. I like your prolougue, your discourse with your teacher. Should you publish that in an anthology, I would suggest adding that touch.

[Kevin Andros]

A great peice you have over here. Very nicely done. The title was very intriguing in itself. "Immortal mortal." Makes you think. Great peice of work. ~KA~