From Paradise to Paradise

Summary

The web content describes a historical poetry series titled "From Paradise to Paradise — Part 3," which reflects on the Battle of Gaugamela through the fictionalized internal dialogue of Alexander the Great, emphasizing themes of peace, vengeance, and the concept of Elysium.

Abstract

The poem "A Reflective Galleggiante" is part of a poetry series inspired by the theme "Elysian," exploring the internal conflict of Alexander the Great before the Battle of Gaugamela against King Darius III of Persia. Set in 331 BC, the poem uses the galleggiante poetic form to convey the tension between the desire for peace and the drive for vengeance. Alexander's contemplation, influenced by his respect for Darius's mother, contrasts the pursuit of heroic glory with the wisdom of accepting a generous peace offer. The poem delves into the moral and ethical considerations of war and leadership, ultimately leading to Alexander's decision to attack, which resulted in the defeat of the Persian empire and the establishment of new laws and customs. The content also acknowledges the contributions of Paper Poetry and invites readers to engage with more of the author's work on Medium.

Opinions

The author portrays Alexander the Great as a young king torn between the advice of his surrogate mother, who advocates for peace, and his own desire for vengeance and glory.
The poem suggests that true heroism and virtue, leading to an "Elysian" state, are not achieved through war and bloodshed but through peaceful coexistence and just leadership.
By using the galleggiante form, the author emphasizes the repetitive nature of internal conflict and the gradual shift in Alexander's resolve.
The historical note at the end provides context and underscores the significance of the battle and its outcome in shaping history.
The author expresses gratitude to Paper Poetry for the opportunity to contribute to the themed series and encourages readers to explore further writings, indicating a community-driven approach to creative writing and poetry.

The last Persian sunset

Vienna, Austria — Photo by author

The Persian sun sets o’er a plain of peace cook smoke rises in columns toward the sky a million soldiers whisper with their beasts as a young king ponders their fate nearby.

You’ve nothing to prove, Mother says to him let the Persians sleep on this plain of peace accept your enemy’s hand as your friend lead with your brother as co-equal kings.

But Mother, he’s killed my father, the king and vengeance is my path to Elysium to spill Persian blood on this plain for peace and bring the people good laws and customs.

War is the opposite of peace, my son reward your soldiers and grant them release killing and plunder won’t yield elysian nor Persian blood spilt on this plain of peace.

In 331 BC, Alexander the Great met King Darius III of Persia on the flat plains of Gaugamela. Having lost his father to assassination, Alexander captured Darius’ mother in a previous battle and took her into his confidence, even calling her “Mother.” Darius made a generous offer of peace, including co-leadership of their combined empires, to avoid the battle.

Though vastly outnumbered and facing nearly certain defeat, Alexander ultimately decided to attack. With brilliant strategic moves, he defeated Darius’ enormous army (battle elephants and all) and ended the 200-year-old Persian empire.

A galleggiante is a poetry form with four 4-line stanzas using an abab rhyming scheme. One line in each stanza is a partially-repeating refrain that either begins at the top and falls to the bottom (a “sinker”) or vice versa (a “floater”). The word galleggiante means “floating” in Italian.

Thanks to Paper Poetry for inviting me to write this poetry series with the theme Elysian, meaning beautiful or creative; divinely inspired; peaceful and perfect. The ancient Greeks believed a perfect, peaceful place called the Elysian Plains, or Elysium, would be the final resting place for the souls of the heroic and the virtuous.

Stay tuned for the next in the Elysian series: From Paradise to Paradise — Part 4

If you enjoyed this poem and wish to read more, please visit my Poetry, Science Fiction, and Fiction lists. And if you are not already a Medium member, you can get access to all of my work, and many, many others through my referral membership link.

PS: Editorial Note : Paper poetry conducts themed poetry series every month. This month’s theme is of Greek origin, Elysian: If you want to be a part of this, kindly read this.

A REFLECTIVE GALLEGGIANTE

From Paradise to Paradise — Part 3

The last Persian sunset

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