A Christmas Ghost Story. Poem by Thomas Hardy
A Christmas Ghost Story.
South of the Line, inland from far Durban,
A mouldering soldier lies- your countryman.
Awry and doubled up are his gray bones,
And on the breeze his puzzled phantom moans
Nightly to clear Canopus: 'I would know
By whom and when the All-Earth-gladdening Law
Of Peace, brought in by that Man Crucified,
Was ruled to be inept, and set aside?
And what of logic or of truth appears
In tacking 'Anno Domini' to the years?
Near twenty-hundred livened thus have hied,
But tarries yet the Cause for which He died.'
The hard realism lacks in a somewhat more romantic view of Human Nature.
Wow. This was a new Hardy for me, but it definitely fits into the dark, pessimistic outlook that I have come to expect and love from him.
Lucy bring's up a very important question. I cannot answer it- -but the poem can certainly be read both ways. I would rather take it as a man of faith unhappy with mankind for not yielding to love over armed hostility. It is good to write poetry like this- that poses a question of intent and thus cause good readers to dig deeper.
A wonderful and thought provoking poem. So beautifully crafted.
Five *****. So well written. I have enjoyed Thomas Hardy's poem. A bit thought-provoking lines but we all know about Who this is. Great Brilliance!
Full of understatement to make his point which I think is a trait of Hardy. Well written.
we have yet to learn and appreciate that sacrifice that was made for us and pass it on. Otherwise, what is the need for us to celebrate Christmas? We have not found the tranquility as we repeat our mistakes time and again.This is a very ingenious poem.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
4/19/2024 9:35:40 AM # 1.0.0.1119
is this a poem about Hardy's agnostic views towards God and religion in general, or does it show him mellowing a little? Please help, am floundering