Villanelle Of Change Poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson

Villanelle Of Change

Rating: 2.8


Since Persia fell at Marathon,
The yellow years have gathered fast:
Long centuries have come and gone.

And yet (they say) the place will don
A phantom fury of the past,
Since Persia fell at Marathon;

And as of old, when Helicon
Trembled and swayed with rapture vast
(Long centuries have come and gone),

This ancient plain, when night comes on,
Shakes to a ghostly battle-blast,
Since Persia fell at Marathon.

But into soundless Acheron
The glory of Greek shame was cast:
Long centuries have come and gone,

The suns of Hellas have all shone,
The first has fallen to the last: --
Since Persia fell at Marathon,
Long centuries have come and gone.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Michael Walker 16 February 2020

A perfectly structured villanelle, a role model for modern writers. A great moment in Greek history, to win the battle at Marathon. Fine connotations, too, of the marathon race.

0 0 Reply
Christopher Gozdava 11 January 2012

The very pleasing poem for a change

1 0 Reply
READ THIS POEM IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Edwin Arlington Robinson

Edwin Arlington Robinson

Maine / United States
Close
Error Success