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The Darkling Plain

Published by broussardlana on November 17, 2015

Oh that calm sea
the cliffs of England near distant
perpetual lull
of incoming tides
sand and pebbles dance
if you listen
you can hear
that eternal note of sadness
coming eventide
In this vast, northern sea
emanating in shadowy depths below
that which Sophocles knew
the bane of human misery
washed from The Sea of Faith
salty tears shed
and in all the world
those paltry lands of dreams
absent are joy, love, light
no help for all that ails
and out on that darkling plain
those ignorant armies still clash
and separate the world we have
from one that might have become
white-cliffs-123478_1280

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  9. milliethom milliethom

    A beautiful poem, L.T. and a great tribute to Matthew Arnold’s poem, Dover Beach. As you have noted above, it is still fitting today, with all the upheaval in the world. The picture of Dover Beach is so lovely.

    # November 20, 2015
    • L. T. Garvin, Author L. T. Garvin, Author

      That is one of my favorite poems of all time. I was thinking about the recent issues and happen to read that poem and thought about how relevant it is today. I get almost all my images from Pixabay which offers free-use images. I was actually looking for a night time or darker image but nothing was available at the time 🙂

      # November 21, 2015
      • milliethom milliethom

        I think the Dover image goes well will your poem. Those cliffs can have a moody, broody look at times, and well suit the sadness in your words.

        # November 21, 2015
        • L. T. Garvin, Author L. T. Garvin, Author

          I have often imagined those cliffs to be just as you say, moody, broody, while reading that poem, giving it that truly somber mood. Such an incredible poet, Mr. Arnold…. Thanks Millie 🙂

          # November 22, 2015

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