Voice from the past – neglected poet – James Elroy Flecker
I re-read this poem recently and the last four lines really spoke to me. Who do we write for? Our children? Our children’s children? I find the words of past poets very comforting at times, that their words can span hundred of years and still have the power to move me.
I who am dead a thousand years,
And wrote this sweet archaic song,
Send you my words for messengers
The way I shall not pass along.
I care not if you bridge the seas,
Or ride secure the cruel sky,
Or build consummate palaces
Of metal or of masonry.
But have you wine and music still,
And statues and a bright-eyed love
And foolish thought of good and ill
And prayers to them who sit above?
How shall we conquer? Like a wind
That falls at eve our fancies blow,
And old Maeonides the blind
Said it three thousand years ago.
Since I can never see your face
And never shake you by the hand,
I send my soul through time and space
To greet you. You will understand.
James Elroy Flecker
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This is a good old english poetry with great words. I like the inspiration one can draw from the poem. Lovely one
I remember writing down old love poems even from movies and use it. So cool right, missed those days
Old love poems always speaks from the heart. It always touches my soul in a lovely way.
The past poets aren’t enjoying like this days ones. Their works are just unique and wonderful. Little or no recognition
James Elroy Flecker must be a great poet writer. Some years back i recalled i strucueurd out old poets. Life is so good Tom.
I think that old love poems are the best. It’s good to see how some people can still appreciate them.
I think James Elroy Flecker was a phenomenal poet. I can’t thank you enough for sharing his work.
The old poets will forever live on. Their poems always have a way of speaking to us.
I respect past poets for penning down timeless poems that transcend time. This is a good example of that.
I think you should cover more of the poets of the past. Our generation has a lot to learn from them.
A poem that is relevant to this day is what makes historic poets. I hope to be one of them some day.
Nothing beats some classic old english poetry. This was a truly refreshing poem.
Would this fall under the category of old love poems? I have been collecting them lately.
Admittedly, it’s my first time hearing about James Elroy Flecker. That notwithstanding, he is already one of my favorite poets.
The old poets live on through the poems they wrote. This is especially true if the poems themselves are relevant even to this day and age.
You seem to fancy old english poetry. We have that in common 🙂
This poem is without a doubt one of the best works from James Elroy Flecker. It’s shocking how relevant it is even after all these years.