Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Hollander's "Leaving Delos" is a contemplative poem that explores themes of departure, memory, and the passage of time. Through evocative imagery and allusion, Hollander reflects on the act of leaving a place imbued with historical and mythological significance.

The poem begins with an address to Delos, described as a "Wandering star of the heaven-colored Sea; bright apple of her islands." This description situates Delos within the Aegean Sea, emphasizing its prominence and beauty. The phrase "Wandering star" suggests a sense of movement and change, while "heaven-colored Sea" invokes the divine and the sublime. The "bright apple of her islands" metaphorically highlights Delos's central and cherished place among the islands.

The speaker stands "Leaden-eyed in the new darkness before / An eidolon fading along thy dead / Receding shore." This imagery conveys a sense of heaviness and sorrow, as "leaden-eyed" suggests a weary and mournful gaze. The "new darkness" signifies the onset of night or an uncertain future, and the "eidolon," a ghostly or idealized image, symbolizes the fading memories or presence of Delos as the speaker departs. The "dead / Receding shore" further underscores the finality and melancholic nature of the departure.

Hollander references Bran the Blessed, a legendary figure in Welsh mythology known for his decapitated head that continued to speak and offer protection. The absence of "no buried / Head of Bran" or "brass chanting time is, was, / And is past" suggests that there are no supernatural or mythological guardians to provide comfort or continuity. This absence emphasizes the stark reality of time's relentless progression and the irrevocability of leaving.

The poem concludes with the rising wind singing "Discordant, high up in the steel rigging." This sound, described as "discordant," reflects the tension and unease associated with departure. The "steel rigging" of the ship signifies modernity and the mechanized world, contrasting with the ancient and mythological references earlier in the poem. The wind's song is a natural element that bridges the past and present, echoing the theme of movement and transition.

"Leaving Delos" captures the poignancy of departure and the complex interplay between history, memory, and the present. Through its rich imagery and allusive depth, the poem invites readers to reflect on the enduring impact of place and the inevitable passage of time. Hollander's use of mythological and historical references enriches the poem, creating a layered exploration of loss and remembrance.

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