Analysis of Walter de la Mare's "All That's Past" : The Eternal Cycle of Life and The Mysteries that Lie Beyond Human Comprehension

Introduction:

Drawing of de la Mare
by Sir William Rothenstein

"All That's Past" is a poem written by Walter de la Mare, an English poet and writer. The poem explores the theme of time, reflecting on the age and beauty of nature, the passing of history, and the fleeting nature of human existence. It recounts into the eternal cycle of life and the mysteries that lie beyond human comprehension. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, de la Mare invites readers to ponder the profound aspects of the past and the transient nature of our own lives.

In fact, Walter de la Mare's poetry primarily revolves around childhood, fantasy, the supernatural, and experiences that transcend the ordinary. This poem exemplifies his remarkable ability to conjure vivid imagery while delving into the immense expanse of time that connects our familiar present to a buried past shrouded in mystery. Within the verses, the emergence of newborn and enchanting spring flowers serves as a testament to their lineage, stretching back into the depths of unknown origins. The birth of fresh streams, flowing from melted snow, carries an age-old wisdom akin to that of the legendary Solomon. As for us, human beings, we can merely dream and ponder our own beginnings, evoking the imagery of Adam and Eve dwelling in the idyllic garden of Eden.

Title:

 The title, "All That's Past," suggests the poem's theme of the passage of time and the transience of human life. The poem explores the idea that all things, from the natural world to human dreams, are ultimately fleeting and destined to be forgotten.

 The Eternal Cycle of Nature: 

The first stanza of the poem focuses on the age and beauty of the natural world. It describes the eternal cycle of nature, from the old woods to the buds that break in the spring. This cycle is a reminder of the vastness of time and the impermanence of all things. De la Mare describes the woods as "very old," emphasizing their long-standing existence. The buds breaking out of the brier's boughs symbolize the renewal and rebirth that occur with the arrival of March winds. The phrase "So old with their beauty" suggests that even in their aged state, the buds possess a profound and timeless allure. This idea challenges human understanding of time and raises the question of the rose's ancient origins:

"Very old are the woods;

And the buds that break

Out of the brier's boughs,

When March winds wake,

So old with their beauty are—

Oh, no man knows

Through what wild centuries

Roves back the rose."

The Wisdom of Water:

In the second stanza, de la Mare shifts his attention to brooks and rills, portraying them as repositories of history. This suggests that the waters are a repository of knowledge and wisdom, and that they can teach us about the passage of time. He notes that these water bodies are "very old" and that each drop of water holds a story. By stating that their wisdom is equivalent to that of Solomon, an allusion to the wise biblical king, the poet emphasizes the profound knowledge encapsulated within the natural world. This imagery suggests that water, like time, has witnessed the passage of countless events and holds a deep wisdom that surpasses human comprehension:

"Very old are the brooks;

And the rills that rise

Where snow sleeps cold beneath

The azure skies

Sing such a history

Of come and gone,

Their every drop is as wise

As Solomon."

Human Existence and Transience:

The final stanza of the poem explores the concept of human existence within the context of the eternal cycle of time. It also describes the dreams of men, which are said to be "tales told in dim Eden by Eve's nightingales." This suggests that dreams are a way for us to connect with our past and to glimpse the future. However, the dreams are also fleeting, like everything else in the world. De la Mare characterizes humans as "very old" beings, drawing a parallel between the age of humanity and the ancient aspects of nature. The dreams of humans are likened to tales told in a distant paradise (Eden) by Eve's nightingales, hinting at the mythical and transient nature of human aspirations. The stanza concludes with the realization that, ultimately, silence and sleep consume us, much like the everlasting fields of amaranth (immortal flower), emphasizing the fleeting nature of our existence:

"Very old are we men;

Our dreams are tales

Told in dim Eden

By Eve's nightingales;

We wake and whisper awhile,

But, the day gone by,

Silence and sleep like fields

Of amaranth lie."

Conclusion:

Through "All That's Past," Walter de la Mare invites readers to contemplate the mysteries of time and human existence. The poem explores the ageless beauty of nature, the wisdom embedded in the passage of time, and the ephemeral nature of human dreams. By juxtaposing the eternal aspects of the natural world with the transient nature of human existence, de la Mare encourages us to reflect on the vastness of time and our place within it. Overall, the poem "All That's Past" is a meditation on the passage of time and the transience of human life. The poem is beautifully written and it offers a glimpse into the poet's own thoughts on the meaning of life.

Ardhendu De

References

1. Full text of “Walter De La Mare A Study Of His Poetry.” (n.d.). Full Text of “Walter De La Mare a Study of His Poetry.” https://archive.org/stream/dli.ernet.503822/503822-Walter%20De%20La%20Mare%20A%20Study%20Of%20His%20Poetry_djvu.txt

2. The listeners, and other poems : Walter De la Mare : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/listenersandoth00maregoog