The Road To Ruin

My hopes, my messengers I sent
Across the ten years continent
Of Time. In dream I saw them go--

And thought, 'When they come back I'll show
To what far place I lead my friends
Where this disastrous decade ends.'

Like one in purgatory, I learned
The loss of hope. For none returned,
And long in darkening dream I lay.
Then came a ghost whose warning breath
Gasped from an agony of death,
'No, not that way; no, not that way.'

Analysis (ai): This haunting poem reflects the disillusionment and despair of the post-World War I era, where hopes and dreams were shattered by the horrors of war. The speaker's journey across "the ten years continent of Time" symbolizes the passage of time during the war, and their unreturned messengers represent lost hopes.

The poem draws parallels to purgatory, highlighting the speaker's torment and despair. The ghost's warning against taking a particular path suggests the speaker's sense of lost direction and the futility of their pursuits.

Compared to Sassoon's other war poems, "The Road to Ruin" is more introspective and existential, exploring the psychological impact of the war on individuals. It differs from the time period's patriotic and heroic war poetry by offering a stark portrayal of the war's devastating consequences. (hide)

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Likes: Kenny Wilson, Malenfant188, Apparition Dark, Lies

Kenny Wilson - This is another of Sassoon's PTSD poems.

on Sep 18 2023 03:47 AM PST x edit

Faith Puleston - Marvellous poetry, all of it. Heartrending writing by one of a generation of young men who died for their country in one of the most horrendous decades of the 20th century. The two so-called Word Wars reveal again the desolation in the minds of some, and the dreadful instrumentalisation of the young and the sacrifice of the many by despots and power-hungry politicians.

Sassoon's poetry is graphic in its description of the horrors of the war that cost him his life. How grateful we should be that he was able to express this tragedy in poetic form.

on Sep 20 2014 03:03 PM PST x edit