To F. C. In Memoriam Palestine, 19

By Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Reflective Poem
            Do you remember one immortal             Lost moment out of time and space,             What time we thought, who passed the portal             Of that divine disastrous place             Where Life was slain and Truth was slandered             On that one holier hill than Rome,             How far abroad our bodies wandered             That evening when our souls came home?             The mystic city many-gated,             With monstrous columns, was your own:             Herodian stones fell down and waited             Two thousand years to be your throne.             In the grey rocks the burning blossom             Glowed terrible as the sacred blood:             It was no stranger to your bosom             Than bluebells of an English wood.             Do you remember a road that follows             The way of unforgotten feet,             Where from the waste of rocks and hollows             Climb up the crawling crooked street             The stages of one towering drama             Always ahead and out of sight ...             Do you remember Aceldama             And the jackal barking in the night?             Life is not void or stuff for scorners:             We have laughed loud and kept our love,             We have heard singers in tavern corners             And not forgotten the birds above:             We have known smiters and sons of thunder             And not unworthily walked with them,             We have grown wiser and lost not wonder;             And we have seen Jerusalem.

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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 profound exploration of memory, time, and the juxtaposition of the sacred and the secular. The speaker conjures up a specific remembrance, which appears to be a shared experience, with their interlocutor. The theme of the poem, therefore, deals with the power of shared moments and their capacity to transcend time and space. The tone is one of nostalgic reminiscence, mixed with a sense of awe and reverence towards the divine, as indicated by references to a "holier hill than Rome" and Jerusalem.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with each stanza offering a new facet of the shared experience, moving from a divine, "disastrous place" to the "mystic city many-gated", and finally to the earthly realm where they have "laughed loud and kept our love". The use of anaphora, repeating "Do you remember" at the start of two stanzas, creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces the poem's focus on memory. There are also vivid metaphors and similes throughout, such as the "burning blossom" being likened to the "sacred blood". This juxtaposition of the natural and the divine elevates the poem's imagery, making the ordinary extraordinary. The poem concludes on a note of wisdom and wonder, reminding us that, while we grow and change, it's essential to maintain our sense of awe and appreciation for the world.

Understanding Reflective Poetry

Reflective poetry is a form of verse that explores the thoughts, emotions, and meditations of the poet. It often delves into personal experiences, memories, and philosophical musings, offering a window into the poet's inner world.

Reflective poems are characterized by their introspective nature, allowing readers to connect with the poet’s contemplations on life, existence, and the human condition. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Personal Reflection: These poems often center on the poet's own thoughts and feelings, offering a deep dive into their emotional or intellectual state.
  • Philosophical Musings: Reflective poetry frequently addresses larger existential questions, providing a space for the poet to ponder life’s meaning, purpose, and the nature of reality.
  • Imagery and Symbolism: Poets use vivid imagery and rich symbolism to convey their reflections, often drawing on nature, art, or personal experiences to express complex ideas.
  • Quiet and Contemplative Tone: Reflective poems typically have a calm, meditative tone, inviting readers to pause and reflect alongside the poet.

Reflective poetry provides a unique avenue for exploring the poet’s inner world, inviting readers to engage in their own reflections as they journey through the verses.