The Ancient Mariner's Fate

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Author's Notes: I decided on no real explanatory author's notes here, per se, for this one. Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner" is usually well-taught, or at least it is supposed to be, in most quality high school and university literature courses. I chose the Double Dactyl format here, as I have with some other poems I wrote in the past centered on other famous individuals, since it allows the writer to highlight some key notions central to the plot of the poem being discussed or presented. I should add that "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a true historic masterpiece worthy of reading anytime, and its story of the doomed Mariner is compelling, tragic, instructive, and sad. (Gary Bateman - December 3, 2018)

Thematic Categories: allegory, allusion, destiny, fate, god, metaphor, and symbolism.

The Ancient Mariner’s Fate Eternally doomed adrift Samuel Taylor Coleridge The Mariner repeats his Story over and over now. A sad soul in true agony Incomprehensible His heart now dry as dust To his fate he must bow. Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved December 3, 2018 (Double Dactyl)

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Robert Lindley

Date: 12/7/2018 7:44:00 AM

I have that in a large print poetry book my dear friend and its has for many decades been a favorite of mine. So sad that Coleridge was so viciously attacked during his times by a few then famous poets. His poetry is truly the work of a brilliant and exceptionally gifted classic poet! Fav' ing' this fine poem...

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/7/2018 1:54:00 PM

Hello Robert!! Many Thanks for your read here and your great comments. It is sad what happened with Coleridge from some of the other "famous" poets. There was definite jealously during those times. And, many thanks too for the FAV!! I've written my fair share of Double Dactyl poems since I joined the Soup in August 2014. (This format is used for certain nonsense humorous themes, but can be used also for more substantive themes too!!) You might want to check-out some of my other "DD" writes!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Vijay Pandit

Date: 12/3/2018 9:15:00 AM

You wrote such a wonderful poem remembering a fellow poet ..always inspiring to reflect on contributions of significance from the past. Well done, Gary.

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/3/2018 3:28:00 PM

Hello Vijay, Thanks for your read and comment here. Coleridge's masterpiece was very much of the early 19th century genre of well-articulated and constructed lyrical ballads. Coleridge also wrote "Kubla Kahn" and "Christabel" which were also of great interest, as well as some of his Ode poetry. I've found from studying other poets that has helped me to better hone my own writing skills. Cheers and Best, Gary

Arturo Michael

Date: 12/3/2018 9:05:00 AM

So will we all...bow to fate...What captured your attention concerning Samuel Taylor Coleridge... from a personal point of view...A little more of poem's body would have given me a better appreciation...I did sciences...All the best Gary

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/4/2018 5:15:00 PM

Believe me, I understand completely Arturo. There is so much to read and learn all the way around for all of us!! I still have many forms and formats of poetry that I have not yet tried -- although I do have my favorites. Even with part of my original university training in Literature, that alone is not enough. I am continuously learning by reading all types of poetry and other fields of literature, and by writing as much as I can, as time allows. Cheers and Best Christmas Wishes!! Gary

Arturo Michael
Date: 12/3/2018 5:35:00 PM

Well, thank you my friend...I truly appreciate your explanation... a bulb is lit...one thing for sure ...I should spend more time researching formats...and these great writers...too much to lose if not...and it's about time I go beyond the horizon...All the best Gary

Gary Bateman
Date: 12/3/2018 3:16:00 PM

Hello Arturo, Thanks for your read and comment here. The essence here is that the Mariner is doomed to repeat telling his story of woe and tragedy forever, and, in the end, this is his ultimate fate. The deeper appreciation that you're looking for would come from a full narrative poem, and that was not the goal of my write here. The Double Dactyl is a specialty format that only answers questions, etc. at the highest level. (If you take a read of the defined structure of this type of poem, you will see what I mean and understand my singular theme emphasis with this write.) Not very many people in the Soup venture into this format, which is not as mysterious as it may seem. I hope this helps. Cheers and Best, Gary