The Fall of Civilisations

A restless river runs close by the copse
Inside the forest, ruins steadily decay
A stage that once sung, is overcome in silence
No more a theatre, but not yet just stone
The water continues with a mind of its own.
Times fallen soldiers appear over the way
Trapped by memory, they seek to go home,
Lost ancient cities appear in their midst
But it's hopeless to try guide Romans to Rome.
The pageant proceeds with rhythmic destruction
Those shimmering cities, they no longer exist
As the cast who played among them, scatter to dust.
The forest advances with an imperceptible burst
While white clouds above drift on.

Reviews

[Beccy]

Ultimately, other than footnotes in history books, civilisations leave little to mark their passing and only really ever skim the surface of this beautiful gift of a planet. though we, in or arrogance, seem to consider them to be a greater triumph than nature itself.

Lately, I have been reading various passages from the Epic of Gilgamesh. It is quite fascinating and I found this poem to hold the same kind of fascination for me.

'Times fallen soldiers appear over the way.' Loved the imagery that line conjured up in my mind.

Beccy.

[Beano]

Hello Beccy, thank you for taking the time to read and comment.

I've always been fascinated by Enkidu, and what we may have lost, when we moved from country to cities. So I'm pleased it bought that you your mind!

Best wishes,
Jamie.

[Eilis]

I love the stillness with a pending energy that the poem evokes. Life is grand and all-encompassing, but it also eventually ceases and some new cycle begins. When the Romans dominated, I wonder if they ever stopped to think that their reign was temporary. Guessing not, since hubris pretty much drove them outward until they could no longer sustain the empire they had amassed. And this pattern sees to be replayed over and over in human affairs. On both the macro and micro level.

I also love the way you explore the spirit of civilizations here and the things that make them, and then how those things become lasting parts of the spiritual landscape even with the physical has passed away. Your final two lines speak of the resilience and power of nature--even as man considers himself the ultimate force--the trees have a strength and endurance that far surpasses our own. Excellent poetry.

[Beano]

Thank you dear Eilis, for your kind words and keen eye! You have understood and interpreted my thoughts better than I could have hoped!

[alanwgraham]

There's a lot we can learn from this Beano. All things, all empires, come to an end but for some reason we think ours is exempt. Perhaps we are now not so sure. I'm guessing this might be a Corona inspired write but its a message for all times.
Hope you are doing fine. We are in the country so have been enjoying walks and bikes but like everyone missing family.
Cheers,
Alan.

[Beano]

Hi Alan. Thank you for your perceptive and generous comments! The current situation has certainly helped inspire this, and inspired me to write more in general, which is a boon! It's not all been bad at all, I've been reading more, writing more, and walking more. But like most, missing family and pubs! Not long to go now hopefully! Best wishes, Jamie.

[Roland Petrov]

I'm not sure I would use Rise in the title, but it certainly is a wonderful description of a Fall. Even with the Roman reference, you have taken me back to the many ruins I have visited in the jungles of Latin America.

[Beano]

Thank you Roland, rather a good point about the title. I've amended it now! Would love to one day explore the ruins in Central and Southern America, so I'm pleased it evoked that in you. The Rome line I actually took from another poem of mine, it does jar a bit so may change the middle part. Hope you're well! X

[Roland Petrov]

I love the new title because it's so inclusive. I'm still well, and I hope you will remain so too. When the pandemic is over, I would be thrilled to be your guide to Uxmal on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico (my favorite ruin of them all).

[Beano]

I'll hold you to that! X

[Roland Petrov]

I'll hold myself to that!