World Poetry Month: Day Fifteen

World Poetry Month: Day Fifteen

Today’s poetry is ‘Ozymandias’ a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley. ‘Ozymandias’ a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The poem was written in 1818 and is about the ruins of a former great ruler, Ozymandias.

The poem begins with a traveller describing an inscription on a broken statue of Ozymandias, which reads: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” 

The inscription recounts the grandiose words of Ozymandias, although his empire has long since crumbled into ruins.

The traveler then reflects on the insignificance of power and glory in comparison to mortality. He muses that just as Ozymandias’s mighty works have been reduced to dust, so will today’s rulers’ works. 

The poem serves as a powerful reminder that, in the grand scheme of things, all worldly authority is fleeting and time waits for no man. Power is an illusion; mortality is our common fate.

No matter how grand one person’s dreams may be, they cannot outlast the hand of time. Thus, it is wise to keep in mind that true strength lies not in material power but rather in one’s character and spirit.

For, as Ozymandias has shown us, no matter how mighty a person may be in life, they will inevitably face their ultimate end. 

The story of Ozymandias’ rise and fall teaches us the importance of humility, caution, and self-awareness.

As Shelley so poignantly put it: “Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!” If we can remember this lesson in our own lives, then perhaps we too can avoid succumbing to our own destruction.

By understanding our own limits, we can take pride in knowing that our dreams and ambitions do not exceed the bounds of reason. We must remember to strive for greatness, but also to be mindful of our own mortality or else risk following Ozymandias’ footsteps down a path of self-destruction. 

In a nutshell, it is essential to remember the lessons of Ozymandias. No matter how great we may become, no one can escape death and our own limitations.

It is important to recognize this truth so that we may learn to respect our own boundaries and strive for greatness while still maintaining a sense of humility.

By understanding the consequences of overreaching ambition, we can hopefully avoid repeating the mistakes of our predecessors and find contentment in bettering ourselves without indulging in hubris. 

Ultimately, it is up to us to learn from our past and make wise decisions that will not only benefit us but also those around us. Life is a journey full of countless possibilities and paths we can choose for ourselves.

Let us take the road less traveled, and in doing so, remember the lessons of Ozymandias. Let us stay humble while we reach for greatness. 

This way, we can find our own inner peace and satisfaction in what we achieve, instead of seeking validation from others or becoming overwhelmed by hubris.

Even though we cannot control world around us, but we can always strive to stay grounded and mindful of our goals. 

By acknowledging our overreaching ambitions and tempering them with humility, we can create a more balanced outlook on ourselves, others and the world.

We don’t need validation from anyone else to feel content – it can come from. We can find joy in simply reaching for greatness and staying true to ourselves instead of letting our egos become inflated with arrogance. 

Ultimately, it is up to us to make the choices that will shape our destinies – let’s use this power wisely by remembering the lessons of Ozymandias.

‘Ozymandias’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley ▶️

I met a traveller from an antique land,
Who said—“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed;
And on the pedestal, these words appear:
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

Best Poetry Of The Day

Welcome to a haven of poetic marvels, the Best Poetry of the Day! Each day, we handpick the finest verses that stir the soul, captivate the heart, and transport the mind to new realms of emotion and imagination. 

From classical odes to modern ballads, our curated collection showcases the artistry of renowned poets and emerging voices alike. 

Lose yourself in the rhythm, imagery, and metaphors that adorn these masterpieces and experience the power of words to evoke profound emotions. Join us on this poetic journey and savor the splendor of the Best Poetry of the Day!

You May Like To Check Out

• World Poetry Month: Day One
• World Poetry Month: Day Two
• World Poetry Month: Day Three
• World Poetry Month: Day Four
• World Poetry Month: Day Five
• World Poetry Month: Day Six
• World Poetry Month: Day Seven
• World Poetry Month: Day Eight
• World Poetry Month: Day Nine
• World Poetry Month: Day Ten
• World Poetry Month: Day Eleven
• World Poetry Month: Day Twelve
• World Poetry Month: Day Thirteen
• World Poetry Month: Day Fourteen