Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Rioperoux" is a poem written by James Elroy Flecker that explores the theme of death and the afterlife. The poem is divided into three stanzas, with each stanza contributing to the overall theme of the poem.

In the first stanza, Flecker describes Rioperoux as a "city of the dead" that is "lulled by silence and the tread of ghosts." This creates a haunting and eerie atmosphere, which is further enhanced by the description of the "ivy on the walls" and the "crumbling stones." The use of personification in the line "death is lord of Rioperoux" reinforces the idea that death is a powerful force that rules over the city.

The second stanza introduces the character of the speaker, who is standing on the edge of Rioperoux, contemplating death and the afterlife. The speaker describes the beauty of Rioperoux, but notes that it is "sadly strange" and "not for me." This suggests that the speaker is not yet ready to embrace death and the afterlife, but is still attached to the world of the living.

In the final stanza, the speaker declares that he will not go to Rioperoux, but will instead "linger on the shore of life." The use of the metaphor of the shore suggests that the speaker sees life as a journey, with death as a destination. The final line of the poem, "Rioperoux shall wait, I am alive," reinforces the idea that the speaker is not yet ready to face death and the afterlife.

In terms of form, "Rioperoux" is written in free verse, with no regular meter or rhyme scheme. This contributes to the overall sense of unease and uncertainty that is present throughout the poem, as there is no sense of structure or stability.

Overall, "Rioperoux" is a powerful and haunting exploration of the theme of death and the afterlife. Through its vivid imagery and use of personification and metaphor, the poem creates a sense of unease and uncertainty that lingers long after the poem has ended.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...