The Enemy

By Charles Baudelaire

Elegy
    My youth was nothing but a black storm     Crossed now and then by brilliant suns.     The thunder and the rain so ravage the shores     Nothing's left of the fruit my garden held once.     I should employ the rake and the plow,     Having reached the autumn of ideas,     To restore this inundated ground     Where the deep grooves of water form tombs in the lees.     And who knows if the new flowers you dreamed     Will find in a soil stripped and cleaned     The mystic nourishment that fortifies?     O Sorrow O Sorrow Time consumes Life,     And the obscure enemy that gnaws at my heart     Uses the blood that I lose to play my part.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant exploration of loss, regret, and the inexorable passage of time. The poet uses powerful nature imagery to depict the tumultuousness of youth, likened to a "black storm" interspersed with "brilliant suns." The destructive forces of thunder and rain serve as metaphors for the trials that have stripped the poet's life of its former fruitfulness.

The second half of the poem shifts toward a tone of resolve tinged with uncertainty. The poet recognizes the necessity of tending to the dilapidated 'garden' of his life, yet questions if the dreamed-of renewal can occur in such ravaged soil. The repeated phrase "O Sorrow" underscores the pervading melancholy, while the final lines personify Time and the "obscure enemy" (possibly aging or death) as forces draining life's vitality. The poet's use of metaphor, personification, and vivid imagery effectively communicates a deeply felt emotional journey, while the structured four-line stanzas lend a sense of order to the chaos of the themes explored. The poem is a profound meditation on the human condition, the ravages of time, and the possibility of rebirth amidst decay.

Understanding Elegy

An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. This type of poetry serves as a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life and the grief left behind.

Elegies are deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Mournful Tone: Elegies are characterized by a tone of sadness and reflection, as the poet grapples with the pain of loss.
  • Tribute to the Deceased: The subject of an elegy is often someone who has passed away, with the poem serving as a memorial that honors their life and legacy.
  • Personal Reflection: Elegies often include personal reflections on the impact of the deceased on the poet's life, as well as broader musings on mortality and the human condition.
  • Structure and Form: While elegies can vary in form, they often follow a traditional structure that includes an expression of grief, praise for the deceased, and a sense of consolation or acceptance.

From ancient times to the present, elegies have provided a way for poets to navigate the complexities of grief and loss, offering solace and a means of preserving the memory of those who have passed.