Come my friends
Spring to in amazement!
Allow me time to express,
For another mark,
A quest of new adventures-
The Old Man and The Archer.
Endeavored to seek a newer world,
The old hero attempted to
Resolve dangers past,
But, found all his efforts
Squandered and fruitless.
With no better success
He gave up and confessed,
“The beggar as I am,
Persecuted with ample vengeance-
Looked round for my purpose,
But found none-
I yield my bow to another.”
But amidst the laughter and jeers,
An arrow pierced through
The sounding furrows,
From the hand of his master,
His palace and possessor.
“Do not attempt this time-
Trying and try another!
To bend the bow,
For it to hold,
Do not attach insolent uncertainty.
Command it,
With action!”
And to their astonishment,
All were slain.
The old man, humbly-
Well armed-
Left with his master,
Kingdom,
And wife.
The Old Man and The Archer: A Tale of Resilience and Mastery
Dear Poets,
"The Old Man and The Archer" unfolds as a narrative poem, blending themes of adventure, defeat, and the ultimate triumph of spirit and skill. This poem is an exploration of human resilience, the journey towards self-discovery, and the mastery over one's destiny.
The Call to Adventure
Come my friends,
Spring to in amazement!
Allow me time to express,
For another mark,
A quest of new adventures -
The Old Man and The Archer.
The opening lines serve as a clarion call, inviting the audience into a tale of wonder and anticipation. It sets the stage for a narrative about overcoming, learning, and embarking on new adventures, regardless of age or past failures.
The Struggle of the Hero
Endeavored to seek a newer world,
The old hero attempted to
Resolve dangers past,
But, found all his efforts
Squandered and fruitless.
Here, we see the old man, a hero in his own right, facing the trials that come with seeking change and rectifying past mistakes. Despite his efforts, he encounters failure, reflecting the often harsh reality of pursuing transformation and redemption.
The Moment of Surrender
With no better success
He gave up and confessed,
'The beggar as I am,
Persecuted with ample vengeance -
Looked round for my purpose,
But found none -
I yield my bow to another.'
In a moment of despair, the old man confronts his perceived futility and decides to surrender his quest, symbolized by yielding his bow. This act of surrender, however, is not the end but a pivotal moment of transformation.
The Turning Point
"But amidst the laughter and jeers,
An arrow pierced through
The sounding furrows,
From the hand of his master,
His palace and possessor."
The narrative takes a dramatic turn as the old man's master demonstrates the true potential of skill and will, challenging the old man's resignation and inspiring a reevaluation of his own capabilities.
The Lesson of Mastery
Do not attempt this time -
Trying and try another!
To bend the bow,
For it to hold,
Do not attach insolent uncertainty.
Command it,
With action!
The master's wisdom underscores the poem's central theme: the importance of decisive action, mastery, and the will to command one's fate rather than being hindered by doubt.
The Triumph
And to their astonishment,
All were slain.
The old man, humbly -
Well armed -
Left with his master,
Kingdom,
And wife."
In the end, the old man's story is one of redemption and victory. Through humility, learning, and embracing the guidance of his master, he overcomes his adversaries, reclaiming his kingdom, his partner, and, most importantly, his sense of self and purpose.
"The Old Man and The Archer" is more than a tale of adventure; it's a metaphor for life's struggles, the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and the unyielding quest for personal growth and mastery. All of which I’ve faced over the last few years, and none of which is easy. But the more I reflect, I realize this process has only made me stronger and better equipped for the uncharted waters ahead.
With reflective regards,
E. A. Bland
P.S. May this story inspire you to pick up your own metaphorical bow, face your challenges with resolve, and command your destiny with unwavering action. Stay poetic!
Source Material: Bulfinch, Thomas. “Bulfinch’s Mythology: Stories of Gods and Heroes.”, Canterbury Classics, 2015, pp. 269