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General Introduction
"Connection" by Lionel Abrahams is a contemplative poem addressed to a child born at the cusp of the new millennium, symbolizing the arrival of a new era. The speaker reflects on the challenges and uncertainties of the past century and expresses hope that the future will not erase the rich heritage of human history and culture.
The Poem
Connection by Lionel Abrahams
(for Lorenzo van Breda (b. 1999)
Child - you who have arrived in time and just in time
to knock for us at the tremendous door
of a new thousand years - you of yourself will take along
no memory of our exhausted century,
our troubled, much-transforming
yet still strangely trusting ‘nineteen-hundreds'.
When that door swings wide a hurricane of sheer futurity
will rush upon you and us all
to change us, world and race, and more,
change change itself, language and history.
So I must wonder what small part of cherished heritage
(the art and stories, science and aspirations
that have defined through age on age
the waiting outline of our more-than-nature)
can survive the storms of alteration.
And this aching doubt leads me to greet with gratitude
your given name - Lorenzo.
This famous name you carry carries poetry in its syllables
and carries into time a treasure-store of memory:
history's magnificence, Shakespeare's art, and more -
thus helps us old inheritors to hold this hope:
the unformed new millennium may not blot out its past
but relate a further chapter of the human tale.
Title
The title "Connection" suggests a link between the past, present, and future, emphasizing the continuity of human experience despite the passage of time.
Themes
1. Passage of Time and Change:
"When that door swings wide a hurricane of sheer futurity
will rush upon you and us all
to change us, world and race, and more,
change change itself, language and history."
The poem explores the inevitability of change and the transformative impact of time on individuals and society.
2. Heritage and Memory:
"So I must wonder what small part of cherished heritage
(the art and stories, science and aspirations
that have defined through age on age
the waiting outline of our more-than-nature)
can survive the storms of alteration."
The speaker reflects on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and memory amidst the flux of time and progress.
3. Hope and Continuity:
"thus helps us old inheritors to hold this hope:
the unformed new millennium may not blot out its past
but relate a further chapter of the human tale."
Despite uncertainties, there is hope that the future will build upon the achievements of the past, contributing to the ongoing narrative of humanity.
4. Identity and Legacy:
The choice of the name "Lorenzo" suggests a desire to pass on a rich legacy of history, art, and culture to the new generation, emphasizing the continuity of human identity across time.
5. The Human Experience:
The poem acknowledges the universal experiences of humanity, such as art, stories, and aspirations, which transcend time and shape the collective consciousness of different generations.
Literary Devices
1. Personification:
"
When that door swings wide a hurricane of sheer futurity
will rush upon you and us all..."
The future is personified as a force that will actively impact individuals and society.
2. Metaphor:
"a hurricane of sheer futurity"
The future is likened to a hurricane, suggesting its powerful and potentially destructive nature.
3. Alliteration:
"change change itself, language and history"
The repetition of the "ch" sound emphasizes the pervasive nature of change across different aspects of life.
4. Symbolism:
"the art and stories, science and aspirations
that have defined through age on age
the waiting outline of our more-than-nature"
These elements symbolize the cultural and intellectual achievements of humanity throughout history.
5. Irony:
The poem's tone, while hopeful, also conveys a sense of irony as the speaker acknowledges the uncertainties and challenges of the future despite the optimism expressed.
6. Imagery:
"the waiting outline of our more-than-nature"
This imagery suggests a broader, more profound aspect of human existence beyond the natural world, hinting at the spiritual or metaphysical dimensions of life.
Language and Mood
The language of the poem is reflective and contemplative, characterized by a sense of wonder and concern for the future. The mood shifts between hope and doubt, reflecting the complexity of emotions associated with the passage of time and the anticipation of change.
Context
Written at the turn of the millennium, "Connection" captures the collective sentiment of a world on the brink of a new era. The poem reflects the anxiety and hopefulness of a society facing unprecedented technological, social, and cultural changes.
Conclusion
"Connection" by Lionel Abrahams is a poignant meditation on the passage of time, the continuity of human experience, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Through its themes and imagery, the poem invites readers to reflect on their place in history and the legacy they will leave for future generations.
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