'Last Word To Childhood' by A.S.J. Tessimond

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Ice-cold fear has slowly decreased
As my bones have grown, my height increased.
Though I shiver in snow of dreams, I shall never
Freeze again in a noonday terror.

I shall never break, my sinews crumble
As God-the-headmaster's fingers fumble
At the other side of unopening doors
Which I watch for a hundred thousand years.

I shall never feel my thin blood leak
While darkness stretches a paw to strike
Or Nothing beats an approaching drum
Behind my back in a silent room.

I shall never, alone, meet the end of my world
At the bend of a path, the turn of a wall:
Never, or once more only, and
That will be once and an end of end.


Submitted by Stephen Fryer

Editor 1 Interpretation

Last Word To Childhood by A.S.J. Tessimond

Have you ever read a poem that suddenly strikes a chord in your heart, making you feel nostalgic and reflective at the same time? That's what A.S.J. Tessimond's "Last Word To Childhood" does to me. In this poem, Tessimond uses vivid imagery and metaphors to explore the bittersweet feeling of growing up and leaving childhood behind.

The Structure of the Poem

First, let's take a look at the structure of the poem. "Last Word To Childhood" is written in free verse, which means that it doesn't have a regular rhyme scheme or meter. However, the poem is divided into stanzas, each with a different number of lines. This gives the poem a sense of structure while still allowing the poet to experiment with different rhythms and cadences.

The first stanza sets the tone of the poem, with the speaker addressing childhood directly: "Childhood, I have missed you." This line is simple yet powerful, immediately conveying the speaker's longing for a time that has passed. The second stanza introduces the first metaphor of the poem, comparing childhood to a "kingdom" that the speaker once ruled. This metaphor creates a sense of nostalgia and loss, as the speaker reflects on a time when things were simpler and more innocent.

The third stanza is a single line, "Now I am not even prince," which continues the metaphor of the previous stanza. Here, the speaker acknowledges that they have lost their power and status in the kingdom of childhood, and have become a mere commoner in the world of adulthood. The fourth stanza introduces a new metaphor, comparing childhood to a "secret garden" that the speaker once had access to. This metaphor evokes a sense of mystery and wonder, as the speaker remembers exploring the hidden corners of their imagination.

The fifth stanza is a single line, "Now I am outside the wall," which continues the metaphor of the garden. Here, the speaker acknowledges that they have been shut out of the magical world of childhood, and are now an outsider looking in. The sixth stanza introduces yet another metaphor, comparing childhood to a "lost city" that the speaker once knew intimately. This metaphor creates a sense of mystery and adventure, as the speaker remembers exploring the nooks and crannies of their imagination.

The seventh stanza is a single line, "Now I can only visit it in dreams," which continues the metaphor of the lost city. Here, the speaker acknowledges that they can never return to the world of childhood in reality, but can only visit it in their dreams and memories. The eighth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker addressing childhood once more: "Childhood, goodbye." This line is poignant and final, conveying the speaker's sense of resignation and acceptance that childhood is gone forever.

The Imagery of the Poem

Now, let's take a closer look at the imagery of the poem. Tessimond uses a variety of metaphors to explore the theme of childhood and the passage of time. The first metaphor, comparing childhood to a kingdom, is particularly effective in conveying the sense of loss and nostalgia that runs throughout the poem. The idea of the speaker once being a ruler in this kingdom, but now being reduced to a commoner, highlights the passage of time and the loss of innocence that comes with growing up.

The metaphor of the secret garden is also effective in conveying the sense of wonder and mystery that is often associated with childhood. The garden represents the world of the imagination, which is so vivid and real for children but can become clouded and distant as we grow older. The idea of being shut out of the garden, and only being able to look at it from a distance, is a powerful image of the loss of innocence and wonder that comes with adulthood.

The metaphor of the lost city is perhaps the most evocative of all. The idea of a secret, hidden city that only the speaker knows is both mysterious and adventurous. It represents the world of the imagination and the sense of possibility that is so important in childhood. The fact that the speaker can only visit the city in their dreams is a poignant image of the irretrievable nature of the past.

The Themes of the Poem

The themes of "Last Word To Childhood" are universal and relatable. The poem explores the bittersweet feeling of growing up and leaving childhood behind. It evokes a sense of loss and nostalgia for a time that can never be recaptured. The poem also touches on the idea of the imagination and the importance of holding onto a sense of wonder and possibility, even as we grow older.

Perhaps most importantly, the poem reminds us of the fleeting nature of time and the need to cherish the present moment. Childhood, like all good things, must come to an end, but the memories and experiences that we carry with us can remain with us forever. By writing this poem, Tessimond has given us a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the importance of holding onto our sense of wonder and imagination, no matter how old we get.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Last Word To Childhood" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the theme of childhood and the passage of time. Tessimond's use of vivid imagery and metaphors creates a sense of nostalgia and loss that is universal and relatable. The poem is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the present moment. If you haven't read this poem before, I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Last Word To Childhood: A Timeless Poem That Captures the Essence of Growing Up

As we grow older, we often look back on our childhood with a sense of nostalgia and longing. The innocence, wonder, and joy of those early years seem to fade away as we become more jaded and cynical. But in the classic poem Last Word To Childhood, A.S.J. Tessimond captures the essence of what it means to grow up, and reminds us that even though we may leave childhood behind, it never truly leaves us.

The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement: "Childhood, dear childhood, / With your unbounded joy." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Tessimond reflects on the many joys and wonders of childhood. From the "dancing feet" and "laughing eyes" to the "innocent heart" and "unfettered mind," the poet paints a vivid picture of a time when everything was new and exciting, and the world was full of endless possibilities.

But as the poem progresses, Tessimond acknowledges that childhood cannot last forever. "You must go, dear childhood," he writes, "And leave me here alone." This bittersweet moment is one that many of us can relate to, as we remember the day when we realized that we were no longer children, and that the world was a much more complicated and challenging place than we had ever imagined.

Yet even as Tessimond bids farewell to childhood, he recognizes that it will always be a part of him. "But you will stay, dear childhood," he writes, "In every happy thought." This sentiment is echoed in the final lines of the poem, where the poet declares that "You will live, dear childhood, / As long as I am free."

What makes Last Word To Childhood such a timeless and powerful poem is its ability to capture the essence of what it means to grow up. Tessimond's words resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the joys and sorrows of childhood, and his message is one of hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

At its core, Last Word To Childhood is a celebration of the human spirit, and a reminder that even though we may grow older and face new challenges, we can always hold onto the joy and wonder of our childhood. As Tessimond writes, "You will live, dear childhood, / As long as I am free." And so, we too can hold onto our childhood memories, and carry them with us as we navigate the ups and downs of life.

In conclusion, Last Word To Childhood is a timeless poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to grow up. Through its vivid imagery and powerful message, it reminds us that even though we may leave childhood behind, it never truly leaves us. As we navigate the challenges of adulthood, we can always hold onto the joy and wonder of our childhood, and carry it with us as a source of strength and inspiration.

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