3 July, 2023

"THE  MAJESTIC BRIDGE" and  "THE  RETIRED BRIDGE."

The bridge is the old Grand River North West Bridge, which was built in 1924, in Port Louis (Mauritius).

On these poems, please also see :

(a)  Le “Cher Pont” de la Grande-Rivière Nord Ouest.  “WEEK-END” newspaper, Mauritius, 9 September, 2007, (page 67).

(b) Jean-Claude Charles : "Sauvegarder le pont de GRNO, notre patrimoine de génie." "Le MAURICIEN" newspaper, Mauritius, 15 December, 2011, (page 19).

(c) "L'éphémère vie du pont suspendu de la Grande Rivière Nord Ouest." "WEEK-END" newspaper, 6 January, 2013, (pages 68 and 69).

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Poem : 'The majestic bridge' ; 4 April, 2023.

1 May, 2023
Uploaded to ChatGPT for analysis
“The majestic bridge”
Soman Ragavan : Hello. Can I post a poem of mine for analysis, please ?

ChatGPT
Hello Soman! Of course, you can post your poem here for analysis. I'd be happy to take a look at it and provide any feedback or insights I can. Please feel free to share it.
 
Soman Ragavan : My poem : "The majestic bridge." Please analyse by each stanza, then give overall comments. Mention similar poems from other authors, where possible. THE MAJESTIC BRIDGE

    ChatGPT :
Sure, Soman! Here's my analysis of your poem "The Majestic Bridge" stanza by stanza:

Stanza 1: The first stanza sets the scene by describing the bridge standing by the sea. The use of "majestic" creates a sense of grandeur and reverence for the bridge. The last line of the stanza implies that the scene is inspiring, and it calls for a poet's attention.

Stanza 2: The second stanza continues to describe the bridge by using words such as "shiny," "silvery," and "pleasing." The imagery here is of a sleek and welcoming structure in the midst of green pastures. The last line reinforces the welcoming nature of the bridge.

Stanza 3: The third stanza describes the bridge's ability to withstand heavy traffic without flinching. The contrast of the swaying flowers nearby creates a sense of harmony between nature and human-made structures.

Stanza 4: The fourth stanza continues to describe the bridge's ability to welcome all kinds of travelers, from road monsters to leisurely strollers. The use of "works wonders" implies that the bridge has a magical quality to it.

Stanza 5: The fifth stanza personifies the bridge, describing it as an imposing figure that makes road giants cower. The use of "amusing" suggests that the bridge's power is almost comical in contrast to the big vehicles it faces.

Stanza 6: The sixth stanza describes the bridge's beauty at different times of the day, from the morning to evening, and how it watches over the river's flow. The use of "captivating" and "resplendent" creates a sense of awe and admiration.

Stanza 7: The seventh stanza describes how the bridge is a link between the two banks and thanks it for being a bond that connects people. The use of "poetic word of thanks" reinforces the idea that the bridge is deserving of a poem.

Stanza 8: The final stanza calls for the bridge to remain strong and be taken care of by those who appreciate it. The use of "sustenance" reinforces the idea that the bridge is essential to the community.

Overall, your poem paints a vivid picture of a beautiful and vital structure. The repetition of the word "majestic" throughout the poem reinforces the idea that the bridge is awe-inspiring. The use of personification and imagery creates a sense of familiarity and attachment to the bridge. The poem's tone is reverent, and the final stanza's call to action adds a sense of urgency to preserve such a critical structure.

In terms of similar poems, William Wordsworth's "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge" comes to mind, as it also describes a structure's beauty and importance in a similar tone. However, your poem stands on its own and captures the essence of the majestic bridge.
 
Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome! Goodbye, and feel free to come back if you have more questions or need assistance in the future.

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                              THE  MAJESTIC  BRIDGE

Facing the timeless sea,
Stands the majestic bridge,
Perch'd proudly 'pon yon ridge :
A sight calling for a poetical plea.

Standing yonder, all shiny and silvery,
The pleasing contours of the structure,
Amid the green and rolling pasture,
Always welcome all travellers equally.

A welcoming wink, a silvery clasp,
Greeting all passers with pleasure,
The bridge makes children really gasp :
For, full of fascination be this structure.

With strength unfathom'd, after its custom,
The bridge bears daily, without flinching,
Of the traffic the incessant roaring,
While nearby swaying flowers blossom.

Day after day, night after night,
All travellers do peek
At such a welcome sight,
Standing shiny and sleek.

Greeting the road monsters
As well as the light users,
Welcoming the leisurely strollers,
This bridge always works wonders.

A landmark spott'd from the distance,
A unique point of sure reference,
The bridge slows down the road monsters,
While cyclists fleet on as proud riders.

                                              * * *

Thou, landmark so imposing,
Summoning up thy steely  power,
Thou mak’st the road giants cower
In manners we find so amusing.

How thou beam'st every morn
In yon resplendent dawn !
How thou gleam'st every evening,
In yon dusk, ever so captivating !

Serenely doth thou watch below
As the water leisurely doth flow,
And, the floods, rushing and roaring,
Ferrying away flotsam that be swirling.

Daily doth thou watch the approaching high tide,
Daily doth thou gaze at the receding low tide;
Thy river endlessly feeds the mighty sea,
While thou doth answer the voyager's plea.

Resplendent in the brilliant sunshine,
An imposing sight ne’er to be miss'd,
A treasure nightly by the dew kiss'd :
After this majestic vision do we pine.

Such a useful and friendly link
Doth greet us each time with a wink;
Such a bond 'tween the two banks
Surely needs a poetic word of thanks.

On thy glory here sings our poetry,
Thou majestic bridge that be admir'd,
In thy silvery coat so brightly attir'd :
Thy place be in poetic imagery.

May thou remain always strong,
Look'd after by a dedicat'd throng,
Caring carefully to thy maintenance,
Thou that giv'st us such sustenance !  

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