I remember your pain when your lover left
and your joy when another came to stay.
He was famous, a hero and a legend
with a crown of laurels on his head.
He filled your world with brave dreams
and dazzled you with his light.
A giant who towered above the rest.
I get it now; I couldn't ever have competed
with such a hero for I was just a mortal man.
You were blinded by his brilliant light.
All your past and present sorrows were gone
soothed away by a slight movement of his hand.
But soon he too began to lose his crown.
As he held you in his arms and sighed
you could not see that far and distant look
that was rising so fast in his weary eyes.
Part of the Old Stories cycle of poems
A few words about the poem…
Exploring Transient Joy and Enduring Sorrow | Melancholy Poems
"The Hero," from the series “Melancholy Poems,” is a poignant exploration of human emotions, particularly the contrast between the ephemeral joys brought by external heroes and the enduring pain of personal loss. The speaker reminisces the arrival of a heroic figure, adorned with laurels. This hero symbolizes not only the fleeting happiness he brings to the narrator’s lover but also the overwhelming presence he casts upon the speaker's world.
The poem vividly portrays the hero's impact on the speaker and his beloved, emphasizing the transformative power he wields. The imagery of "brave new dreams" and being "dazzled by his light" conveys the enchantment and awe inspired by this figure. The hero is elevated to a godlike status, towering above mortals and seemingly capable of banishing all sorrows with a mere gesture.
However, beneath this glorious facade lies a poignant truth—the hero, despite his grandeur, is ultimately mortal. As the poem unfolds, the hero's inevitable decline becomes evident, mirroring the transient nature of human relationships. The speaker reflects on his inability to compete with such a figure, recognizing his mortality in contrast to the hero's seemingly eternal presence.
The poem concludes with a sombre revelation as the hero begins to lose his lustre. Despite the comforting embrace shared with the beloved, there is a subtle hint of disillusionment in the hero's eyes, suggesting a realization of his limitations. This moment of vulnerability is a stark reminder of the fragility inherent in all forms of heroism and the transient nature of worldly triumphs.
Overall, "The Hero" offers a nuanced exploration of love, loss, and the allure of heroism. Through its evocative imagery and poignant narrative, the poem invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human relationships and the fleeting nature of external sources of happiness.
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