In the Old Age of the Soul Analysis

I do not choose to dream; there cometh on me
Some strange old lust for deeds.
As to the nerveless hand of some old warrior
The sword-hilt or the war-worn wonted helmet
Brings momentary life and long-fled cunning,
So to my soul grown old -
Grown old with many a jousting, many a foray,
Grown old with namy a hither-coming and hence-going -
Till now they send him dreams and no more deed;
So doth he flame again with might for action,
Forgetful of the council of elders,
Forgetful that who rules doth no more battle,
Forgetful that such might no more cleaves to him
So doth he flame again toward valiant doing.

.: :.


this stroke a very sweat chord with in me.
first "I do not choose to dream; there cometh on me
Some strange old lust for deeds." the opening grabs and demands immediate attention. it leaves the reader seeking a explanation. it also set the tone for a story. such a story the would require a youthful ear to heed as if the word would forever change the life of the young listener. i imagine many men die of dreams in there old age. the word "cometh gives it an accent feel, but the rest of the language is simple enough to understand . it in a sinuses builds that gape between time.
it took me a min to think of what was being said in this verse "The sword-hilt or the war-worn wonted helmet
Brings momentary life and long-fled cunning,"
but know i see its reminiscing, of youth of being the heroic young man that once was. after the moment passed though the striking realization of old age hits as a wave. "So to my soul grown old -
Grown old with many a jousting, many a foray,
Grown old with namy a hither-coming and hence-going "
"Till now they send him dreams and no more deed;"
this verse close matches the first. it ties everything together it brings the reader back to the point of the poem and again makes him think and not merle listen to an old mans tale.
this verse marks the turning point of the poem. "So doth he flame again with might for action," it reminds me of a crazy old uncle who try to fly even though you know it well kill. better yet, "Man of Lamacha" is a book speaking of an old man not retiring to dreams but going out chasing dragon in the name of honor and valiant. even though they where merly in his mind he showed people to never set when you can in a sense fly. (i wish i could of worded my thoughts better in all of this.)
the last verse "So doth he flame again toward valiant doing."
this was a twist ending for me. it begins another story in my mind. when does time gain the upper hand where men and women can no longer do valiant things even in simplicity, and what did the character do to regain valiantly?
i liked the poem i've sent it to a dear friend of mine threatening that some day this well happen to him. i well parable re-analyze it again when i am older or understand more about analyzing.
thank you

| Posted on 2004-12-15 | by snufthepunk28