"Gong of Time"

About this poem

"Gong of Time" captivates the reader with its enchanting imagery and thought-provoking metaphors. It takes us on a journey through the complexities of life, highlighting themes of fragility, patience, and the mysteries of nature. The poem begins by exploring the delicate nature of humanity, comparing us to "material-riddened foam that floats." This imagery suggests the transient nature of material possessions and the dangers of excessive pride. It reminds us to embrace humility and recognize the impermanence of worldly things. As the poem progresses, it poses intriguing questions about natural phenomena, such as the hiding of the sun, the whirlwind of the wind, and the silence of birds. These questions evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, urging us to contemplate the mysteries of the world around us. Throughout the poem, there is a recurring theme of patience. The gongs of thunder, churning rivers, waving oceans, roaring lions, and tempestuous thunders symbolize the challenges and trials of life. They remind us that time plays a crucial role in our journey, and that sometimes we must patiently endure in order to reach a state of tranquility. Overall, "Gong of Time" is a beautifully crafted poem that invites us to reflect on our desires, the wonders of nature, and the passage of time. It encourages us to embrace humility, exercise patience, and appreciate the cyclical nature of life. Symbols used in the poem: 1. The Sun: The hiding of the sun in the poem can be seen as a symbol of mystery and the unknown. It represents moments of darkness or uncertainty in life, where we may feel lost or overwhelmed. 2. Birds: The silence of birds in the poem can symbolize stillness or calmness. It creates a contrast to the roaring lions and other tumultuous elements mentioned in the poem. The absence of bird sounds suggests a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos. 3. Whirlwind of the Wind: The whirlwind of the wind can be seen as a symbol of change or transformation. It represents the unpredictable nature of life and how circumstances can quickly shift, just like the swirling wind. "Gong of Time" is rich with vivid imagery and thought-provoking metaphors. 1. Fragility and Hubris: The opening lines introduce the concept of human fragility and the presence of hubris or excessive pride. This contrast sets the stage for the exploration of themes throughout the poem. 2. Materialism and Pride: The mention of being "material-riddened foam that floats" suggests the pursuit of worldly possessions and the dangers of excessive pride. It highlights the transient nature of material wealth. 3. Nature's Mysteries: The poem poses several questions about natural phenomena, such as the hiding of the sun, the whirlwind of the wind, the origin of thunder, and the silence of birds. These questions evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity about the mysteries of the natural world. 4. Patience and Time: The recurring theme of patience emphasizes the need to endure and wait for things to unfold. The gongs of thunder, churning rivers, waving oceans, roaring lions, and tempestuous thunders symbolize the challenges and trials of life. The poem suggests that the gentle cessation of all awaits the passage of time. Overall, "Gong of Time" invites contemplation on the themes of humility, patience, and the cyclical nature of life. It encourages us to reflect on our desires, the mysteries of the natural world, and the importance of embracing the passage of time. DEVICES EMPLOYED IN GONG OF TIME 1. Imagery: The poem is rich in vivid imagery, painting pictures in our minds with phrases like "material-riddened foam that floats," "churning rivers," and "roaring lions." These images evoke strong visual and sensory experiences. 2. Metaphor: The poem uses metaphors to convey deeper meanings. For example, the comparison of humans to "material-riddened foam that floats" suggests the fleeting nature of material possessions. The gongs of thunder and the waves of the ocean symbolize the challenges and trials of life. 3. Personification: The poem personifies nature, giving human qualities to non-human entities. For instance, the hiding of the sun and the silence of birds suggest a sense of mystery and intrigue. This personification adds depth and emotion to the imagery. 4. Symbolism: The poem employs symbolism to represent abstract concepts. The gongs of thunder and the waves of the ocean symbolize the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. These symbols help convey the poem's themes and messages. "Gong of Time" is a captivating piece that uses enchanting imagery and thought-provoking metaphors. It explores themes of fragility, patience, and the mysteries of nature. The poem begins by comparing humanity to "material-riddened foam that floats," highlighting the transient nature of material possessions. It poses intriguing questions about natural phenomena and evokes a sense of wonder and curiosity. Throughout the poem, there is a recurring theme of patience, symbolized by the gongs of thunder, churning rivers, waving oceans, roaring lions, and tempestuous thunders. These symbols remind us to patiently endure the challenges and trials of life. The poem invites us to reflect on our desires, appreciate the wonders of nature, and embrace the cyclical nature of life. more »