avatarCarlo Zeno

Summary

The poem "Child, Tyrant, Plaything, Clown" reflects on the themes of fate, powerlessness, and the struggle for control against the backdrop of destiny's indifference.

Abstract

"Child, Tyrant, Plaything, Clown" is a poignant piece by Carlo Zeno that delves into the human condition, exploring the tension between individual agency and the overpowering forces of fate. The speaker of the poem personifies fate as an entity that shapes and manipulates human lives, rendering individuals as mere playthings without free will. The poem conveys a sense of resignation and despair, as the subjects of fate—compared to celestial bodies like Mars and Venus—are trapped in their predestined orbits, unable to alter their course. Despite the emotional turmoil and the futile attempts to resist, fate remains unmoved, its face dry even as tears roll down the faces of those it governs. The poem suggests that the struggles, achievements, and sorrows of humanity are inconsequential to the grand scheme of destiny, which continues its cycle unscathed by human suffering or aspiration.

Opinions

  • The speaker views humanity as powerless pawns subject to the whims of fate.
  • There is a sense of frustration and entrapment, as individuals are depicted as lacking control over their lives.
  • The poem suggests that efforts to change one's fate or challenge destiny are futile.
  • Fate is portrayed as indifferent to human emotions such as sadness, anger, or the desire for revenge.
  • The poem reflects on the limitations of human intelligence and decision-making in the face of destiny.
  • It implies that the cyclical nature of life and death continues without mourning the past or individual struggles.
  • The speaker acknowledges the industriousness of humans but questions their wisdom and ability to make sound decisions.
  • The poem conveys a sense of determinism, where past actions are set in stone and cannot be altered.
  • It touches on the themes of guilt, depression, and the futility of resistance against fate.
  • The speaker emphasizes that the emotional toll on humans does not affect the course of destiny.

Child, Tyrant, Plaything, Clown

Fate speaks out

Photo by Zachary Kadolph on Unsplash

The barbs and smiles, shadows and flashes, mixings of hell with heaven —

This, this is my Face, and it is I who make it.

You are my pawn, plaything, putty, pushover —

pathetic.

Powerlessness leaves a lot to be desired, but you aren’t the first to be stripped, flayed, gutted of free will —

do you see Mars or Venus whinging about their suffocating orbit of fate? have you seen either of them try to stop or turn around?

then shut up and spin like my orbiting toy top — dance the way I made you to dance.

I can see failure breaks your heart, but it doesn’t touch Mine.

I see a sad, serious clown, devastated by his limitation and inability.

I see a proud, wounded soul who feels he is owed something he is denied.

I watch an angry lion, a Richard III, an exiled killer.

I see hatred and pride and a desire to take revenge on those who deny and exclude you.

I see a challenger to the throne who is denied power.

I see all the witches’ passions at a hot boil.

I see entrapment, futility, depression, guilt.

You are industrious, but not smart. You don’t make good decisions.

The deeds are done. The things you write are finished. You can’t do a thing about it.

You can wake up. You can write. And then you can forget.

You are My machine. You are My unhappiness.

Just know these tears that roll down your face, leave Mine dry.

Your misery leaves not a single scratch or scar on My Face.

There is not a Dawn that mourns the sunset of yesterday’s deaths.

So go on —

Cry.

© Carlo Zeno 2023

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Thank you to augmented man for considering this piece for his pub. For two more recent poems, check out the below 👇

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