Author: Arthur Hugh Clough
A Sequel I saw again the spirits on a day, Where on the earth in mournful case they lay; Five porches were there, and a pool, and round, Huddling in blankets, strewn upon the ground, Tied-up and bandaged, weary, sore and spent, The maimed and halt, diseased and impotent. For a great angel came, twas said, and stirred The pool at certain seasons, and the word Was, with this people of the sick, that they Who in the waters here their limbs should lay Before the motion on the surface ceased Should of their torment straightway be released. So with shrunk bodies and with heads down-dropt, Stretched on the steps, and at the pillars propt, Watching by day and listening through the night, They filled the place, a miserable sight. And I beheld that on the stony floor He too, that spoke of duty once before, No otherwise than others here to-day, Foredone and sick and sadly muttering lay. I know not, I will do what is it I would say? What was that word which once sufficed alone for all, Which now I seek in vain, and never can recall? And then, as weary of in vain renewing His question, thus his mournful thought pursuing, I know not, I must do as other men are doing. But what the waters of that pool might be, Of Lethe were they, or Philosophy; And whether he, long waiting, did attain Deliverance from the burden of his pain There with the rest; or whether, yet before, Some more diviner stranger passed the door With his small company into that sad place, And, breathing hope into the sick mans face, Bade him take up his bed, and rise and go, What the end were, and whether it were so, Further than this I saw not, neither know.
Type of Poem: Narrative Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem is a somber exploration of suffering, healing, and the human condition, framed with a distinct narrative structure. Its tone is predominantly melancholic, painting a vivid picture of a group of afflicted individuals awaiting divine intervention. The poem's theme revolves around the universal human experience of pain, hope, and the struggle for relief and redemption.
The structure of this verse, meticulously organized with a consistent rhythm, lends itself to an immersive reading experience. A standout literary device employed here is the heavy use of imagery, which allows the reader to visualize the bleak scene of the "maimed and halt, diseased and impotent". The poet also employs metaphor in the form of the angel-stirred pool, a symbol of hoped-for healing and transformation. The poem's ending leaves a sense of mystery and anticipation, as it's unclear whether the individuals receive their long-awaited relief or remain in their state of suffering. This unresolved ending serves as a poignant commentary on the uncertainty of life's outcomes, despite our deepest desires and efforts.
Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.
Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:
From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.