From Paradise to Paradise

Summary

The web content is a reflective poetry series titled "From Paradise to Paradise — Part 4," which contemplates the death and legacy of Alexander the Great through a blend of historical narrative and the elegiac galleggiante poetic form.

Abstract

The article presents the fourth and final part of a poetry series that delves into the life and death of Alexander the Great. It paints a vivid picture of the ruler's final moments, reflecting on his achievements and the paradise he built, only to be struck down by betrayal and poison. The narrative is interwoven with the Italian poetic form "galleggiante," characterized by a repeating refrain and an abab rhyming scheme. The series, inspired by the theme "Elysian," explores the ancient Greek concept of a peaceful and perfect afterlife, inviting readers to consider the enduring impact of Alexander's conquests across Europe and Asia Minor. The author, Jim Dutton, shares his personal journey of writing these poems during a trip through Central and Eastern Europe, connecting his experiences with the historical figure's travels. The piece concludes with an invitation for readers to explore more of the author's work and to join Medium through his referral link.

Opinions

The author portrays Alexander the Great as a figure who, despite his accomplishments, faced a tragic end, succumbing to betrayal and an untimely death.
There is an emphasis on the fleeting nature of earthly paradises, as Alexander's empire quickly disintegrated after his death, despite his efforts to create a lasting legacy.
The use of the galleggiante poetic form is seen as a fitting tribute to Alexander's life, with its floating and sinking refrains mirroring the rise and fall of his empire.
The author suggests that Alexander's true paradise may be found in the Elysian Plains, a place of peace and rest, rather than in the transient glory of his conquests.
Jim Dutton expresses a personal connection to Alexander the Great, having traveled through regions that the Macedonian king once conquered, which adds depth to his poetic reflections.
The article concludes with a subtle nod to the modern-day continuation of Alexander's legacy through literature and storytelling, inviting readers to engage with the author's work on Medium.

Return to Elysium

Bratislava, Slovakia — Photo credit: author

He’d conquered the world and built paradise one land, one king, a vast network of trust his generals there to offer advice women and wine to satisfy his lusts.

Yet here, on this Babylon bed, he lay sick and dying, poisoned in paradise wondering how he could have been betrayed by those he’d brought wealth and honor and pride.

I have only scars to show for my strife. Mother, there is so much left to do here help me to save this earthly paradise from those who would ravage all I hold dear.

Mother calms his fears and tries to explain a great king is only a king in life “Alex!” she calls from the Elysian Plains “Come rest with me here, in this paradise.”

Alexander the Great died at the age of 32 after conquering most of the known world. Historians disagree on whether he died of disease or was poisoned by a traitor. Almost immediately, his trusted generals began fighting amongst themselves over the remnants of Alexander’s empire. His earthly paradise did not survive long, but to this day his imprint remains on nearly every part of Europe and Asia Minor.

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.

This is the final installment of my poetry series, From Paradise to Paradise about the life of Alexander the Great. I wrote these poems during a five-week holiday trip through seven countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Alexander himself once marched through some of those. I hope you have enjoyed the journey as much as I have.

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.

AN ELEGIAC GALLEGGIANTE

From Paradise to Paradise — Part 4

Return to Elysium

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