Gary Bateman Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

I finished the development of this poem on July 17, 2014.  T.S. Eliot has always been one of my favorite poets dating back to my time as a student in the University. Along with the contributions of Ezra Pound, I have always admired the likewise shared contributions that Eliot made to modern English poetry as a prophet of modernity.  With this in mind, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," one of Eliot's great masterpieces in the twentieth-century, was my source and inspiration for my poetic vision of "Prufrock's Eternal Footman."  Eliot's world in "Prufrock" is a highly symbolic world which addresses many compelling themes.  The Eternal Footman, as referenced, is an integral part of this symbolic world.  (Gary Bateman - August 12, 2014)  

Prufrock's Eternal Footman

I think this Footman likes to snicker,
and the human situation is the kicker,
when one becomes sicker and sicker,
and it’s one’s time to die and cry for one’s soul.

Prufrock’s point is well-taken and understood 
for the Footman is an end of life reality who is
the “King of Finality” and doesn’t care while seeking
mankind’s banal end, since Man is really small potatoes 
in the Universe’s great and grand pecking order.

I think that I shall not want to meet this Bamboozler,
at least this would be my choice, if I really had one.
I doubt that I, like others, could ever be like Lazarus.
The Footman presents us all with a one-way ticket to
what awaits mankind beyond the pale of death!

And so we all await the end of our finite time as
measured in grains of sand and the clock on the wall;
waiting for the day and time of our final departure,
and hoping not to hear the scornful snicker, snicker
of the Prufrock’s Eternal Footman!

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved 
(July 17, 2014)

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Indiana Shaw August 4, 2017 at 6:28 AM I wanted to read all 3 of the poem recommened by yourself "Gary" before making any comments myself - "But" this poem alone and yourself opened new doors for me - 1) I had to check on "The Love Song" by T.S Elliot to have an understanding of what Poets and their writings made on you - 2) The story of "Lazarus" to understand the 3rd line - 3rd paragraph (Now understood) and to your poem "Prufrock's Eternal Footman" - Brilliant I am totally hooked & looking forward now to The Grim Reaper "Cometh" Gary Bateman August 4, 2017 at 6:45 AM Hello Indiana, Thanks for your read here of "Prufrock's Eternal Footman." (BTW, I have your five poems you mentioned yesterday on my "To-Do" list to read, and I shall get to them in due course, of course!!) Yes, I'm a T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound aficionado among many of the other greats of their era, to include earlier greats: Shakespeare (naturally), Goethe, Heine, Milton, Chaucer, Dante, Keats, and on and on. I'm actually a multi-thematic writer when it comes to my poetry and my prose writings (short stories, flash-fiction, and novellas). I look forward to reading more of your poem, and you're always most welcome to read any of mine as you choose to do so. A number of my earlier poems on Poetry Soup appear in my first published book, "Conversations with My Muse" (2015). Best, Gary Indiana Shaw August 4, 2017 at 6:33 AM Though taking it away from your poem "Prufrock's Eternal Footman" I did on my travels reseaching "Lazarus" enjoyed the video take of "Lazarus" by "David Bowie" album "Black Star" - You are giving me an "Education" all round here I think - Many thanks . . . ; )

Laura Breidenthal February 2, 2015 at 12:08 AM A rather creepy touch to this verse in response to Eliot's Prufrock. I love it! If we all could be like Lazarus! A most interesting verse! Love the inspiration. Always, Laura Gary Bateman February 2, 2015 at 4:13 PM Hello Again Laura!! Eliot's "Prufrock" is one of my all-time favorite poems. (I also did a Double Dactyl write on 14 Jan called "Prufrock's Symbolic World.") Eliot's "Prufrock" is so rich in imagery and allegorical symbolism -- and so there is much to think and write about. The Eliot's symbol of the Eternal Footman in "Prufrock" (think: "Grim Reaper") I used later in a Shakespearean Sonnet I wrote on "The Grim Reaper Cometh," and posted on 25 October last year. This Eternal Footman character is truly a "Bamboozler" we all should not want to ever meet!! Thanks for your read!! Best!! Gary

Liam Mcdaid October 21, 2014 at 9:55 AM really interestingly picture drawn excellent piece of writing gary dear pal Gary Bateman October 22, 2014 at 6:09 PM Thanks for reading this one Mate. This was one of my early postings with Poetry Soup back when I was getting started. Best Wishes Always, Gary

Poet Destroyer A September 2, 2014 at 10:15 AM anytime Gary...Linda

Poet Destroyer A August 24, 2014 at 10:57 AM Gary, Stopping by to check out a few of the featured poems:) Congratulations on having your poem featured on the soup's home page. Always~ LINDA Gary Bateman August 24, 2014 at 3:18 PM Hello Linda, Thanks for your note and for your continued advise and support. BTW, I did enter the Witchcraft ABAB Contest coming up in early September. My "Black Witch" poem is one of the entries. Check it out if you have time. It is a "Dark Tale." I will be releasing two more poems very soon. I will check out your poems as well. All the Best, Gary

Gary Bateman August 21, 2014 at 3:03 AM Thanks Gene for your timely comments and analysis. T. S. Eliot has been one of my most favored poets since my university days. Unless someone has a reasonable understanding of "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," and the principal themes, they may not connect all of the dots surrounding the "Eternal Footman," which, of course, has much greater meaning. I know that this topic was in the back of my mind for quite a while until I decided to get my thoughts on paper. Thanks again!! -- Gary

Bohari Mohammad August 12, 2014 at 8:05 AM Beautifully Done..!!! I like the way you catch the attention of the reader..!!! Gary Bateman August 12, 2014 at 1:52 PM Hello Mohammad -- Thanks so much for your very kind words. I responded to your other e-mail too. I will be happy to view your work as well. I am a new member of PoetrySoup and I am very impressed with comments and interaction among fellow poets like yourself. With Best Wishes, Gary