A Reflection on Life: Impermanence and Aging
It is not depressing, it just is the way of all life.
The Impermanence Of Things Poem by DM W (Dominic Windram) "O empires rise and empires fall. Youth turns to age. Everything passes into the stream of Time. All possessions are fleeting; only love remains. Distractions give way to profound symbols and signs. In the depths of darkness, the Light can still be found. Although summer's brief roses wither and die, And sweet blossoms of desire no longer abound, The deeper, warm realms of inner beauty survive."
The poem begins by emphasizing empires' inevitable rise and fall and the transition from youth to old age. These themes powerfully remind us of the transient nature of worldly power and the physical body. Empires are depicted as subject to the same fate as the human body. Both are subject to change and are time-bound. It reflects the universal truth that no matter how grand or powerful something appears, it is always temporary.
The verse then shifts its focus to the impermanence of material possessions, stating, "All possessions are fleeting; only love remains." This line suggests that while physical objects, wealth, and status may bring temporary satisfaction, they ultimately pass away with time. In contrast, love is portrayed as a constant, enduring force transcending the material world. This idea resonates with many spiritual and philosophical teachings, which often emphasize the superiority of love and human connection over material wealth.
Next, it discusses the transition from distractions to "profound symbols and signs," suggesting a journey from superficial engagement with the world to a deeper, more meaningful understanding. Here, distractions can be seen as the mundane and often meaningless pursuits that occupy much of our time. Moving beyond these distractions, we perceive the world more symbolically, recognizing deeper truths and meanings in the things around us.
In the latter part of the poem, the imagery of light in darkness and the survival of inner beauty, despite the withering of external beauty, reinforces the theme of enduring inner qualities. The poem implies that while summer's roses and desire blossoms represent fleeting external beauty, inner beauty is unaffected by time. The enduring qualities of the human spirit, such as kindness, compassion, and wisdom, are not subject to the same decay as physical beauty.
While the poem touches on the theme of death, it does so subtly and metaphorically. Death is implied in the references to the impermanence of empires, youth, and material possessions. The cycle of rise and fall, the passage from youth to age, and the withering of roses all symbolize the inevitability of death and the natural conclusion of life. The imagery serves as a reminder that it will end no matter how powerful or vibrant something may be.
