The Demon's Poet

Poet's Notes

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Author's Notes: I completed this Double Dactyl write on April 21, 2017. The subject of this particular write concerns the tragic ending of Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov's classic romantic poem "The Demon." This famous poem was written in several succeeding versions during the years 1829 - 1839, with the final version not published until 1842, the year after Lermontov's untimely death at the very young age of 26. Using the specialized Double Dactyl format with its defined poetic strictures, I focused on the end-story result of this wondrously dark and evil Russian masterpiece narrative poem, when "The Demon," who is in love with the radiant Georgian Princess Tamara, eventually kisses her when she falls for his embrace, and then dies after his fatal kiss. With Princess Tamara's unfortunate and untimely death, she goes to Heaven, but "The Demon," who is immortal, is forced to wander the Earth in a state of perpetual isolation and utter hopelessness. Without Princess Tamara, The Demon is abandoned and left alone in the universe. This format seemed like the perfect vehicle for briefly highlighting one of Lermontov's famous poems in the European romantic poetry genre. Particularly seeing this poem in its original Russian version with its English translation, makes the whole literary experience even more interesting -- especially if one has previously studied the Russian language before. I hope this information helps explain the back-story for my defined use of the Double Dactyl format in this instance. (Using this normal "light-verse" format actually allowed me to capture the end-essence of "The Demon" and the Demon's ultimate fate at the hands of an impersonal universe.) Lermontov died young, before he could realize his full literary potential. He has been unfortunately overshadowed by other Russian greats such as Turgenev, Pushkin, and Pasternak -- to name a few. (Gary Bateman - April 21, 2017) (Double Dactyl)

Categories: allegory, dark, death, destiny, evil, heartbroken, and symbolism.

The Demon’s Poet Wander the Earth Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov Immortality his burden Abandoned and alone. The Demon’s embrace Excommunication His fatal kiss Tortured to the bone. Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved, April 21, 2017 (Double Dactyl)

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Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 4/28/2017 4:17:00 PM

Well-structured and soul intense poem, Gary. Ty for dropping the knowledge on the backstory. As usual, your professorial insight is helpful in appreciating the depth of the poetic theme. I like the double D form, might try my hand at it one day, Lord willing. Excellent poem though. Many blessings of love, my friend.

Gary Bateman
Date: 4/28/2017 6:07:00 PM

Thanks Freddie for your very reflective comments here. The Double Dactyl format, if followed as closely as possible, tends to scare many people away. All of the DD's I've written so far adhere to the prescribed structure. This format gives the poet a chance to laser focus on a key theme or certain aspect of someone who could be famous, infamous, good or bad, etc. Give it a try. Best Wishes, Gary

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 4/23/2017 6:43:00 PM

this stuck the fork in the devils wound smiling excellent pen as always pal

Gary Bateman
Date: 4/26/2017 9:27:00 AM

Liam, "Tortured to the Bone" is all I can say. Thanks for your read and comment here. Old Hob and his Demon are vulnerable after all. Cheers and Best, Gary

Eve Roper

Date: 4/23/2017 11:42:00 AM

Very well done , Gary, to die so young is heartbreaking ~*

Gary Bateman
Date: 4/23/2017 5:34:00 PM

Thanks Eve for dropping by and for your great comment here on "The Demon's Poet." Lermontov's death was tragic much like the early death of John Keats. (Lermontov was not sick or anything like that. He was killed in a duel in Russia.) Still very sad regardless!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Arthur Vaso

Date: 4/22/2017 7:10:00 AM

Great write, I love the notes, will read up on this later! Very interesting.

Gary Bateman
Date: 4/22/2017 9:39:00 AM

Thanks Arthur. I'm glad you liked this one and the associated back-story. Russian poets, as with Latin American poets and others poets outside of the English-speaking milieu, have so much offer. There are so many great writers out there. Cheers and Best, Gary

Dorian Petersen Potter

Date: 4/22/2017 6:08:00 AM

Hi G!A very wonderful and excellent poem, you've penned here my dear friend Gary. Fantastic piece!Very beautifully written and this time in the Double Dactyl style.Your notes are outstanding as always:) Just awesome!I enjoyed it.Golden pen!A 7 +!A fav.Sending my love n' prayers to you and Ingrid, as always:))Just take good care of each other now.Ok.I really hope that all is going well with your book and everything else on your side.All the best to you always,G! Spill ink!:)) Wishing you a very lovely weekend!In His light God bless you always!:)D

Gary Bateman
Date: 4/22/2017 9:47:00 AM

Hello D! Thanks so much for dropping by and for your read of "The Demon's Poet," and for the 7/FAV. (I've got another one of these Dactyl writes I'm planning in the near future for Hermann Hesse.) I'm also pleased that you like the Author's Notes. Sometimes, I find, the actual back-story behind the development and derivation of certain poems to be as interesting of the poems themselves. Continued best wishes always from Ingrid and me!! Spill Ink!! Best, G!