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

2 May, 2023 
Uploaded to ChatGPT for analysis
“The retired bridge.”

Soman Ragavan : Hello. Can I post a poem of mine for analysis, please ?

ChatGPT
Hello Soman Ragavan, sure! I'd be happy to help you analyze your poem. Please feel free to post it here, and we can take a look at it together.
 
Soman Ragavan : My poem : "The retired bridge." Please analyse by each stanza, then give overall comments. Mention similar poems from other authors, where possible. THE RETIRED BRIDGE.

ChatGPT
Sure, let's analyze your poem "The Retired Bridge" stanza by stanza:

Stanza 1: The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the need for a new bridge due to the increasing traffic on the road. The language used, such as "roaring lorries" and "polluting flurries," creates a sense of chaos and disruption.

Stanza 2: The second stanza acknowledges the construction of the new bridge and how it meets the needs of modernity. However, it also notes that the new bridge lacks the inspiring majesty of older bridges.

Stanza 3: The third stanza is where the retired bridge is introduced. The language used, such as "shock-absorbing" and "leisurely retirement," implies that the bridge has served its purpose and deserves to rest. The speaker has a strong attachment to the old bridge and wishes to preserve its beauty.

Stanza 4: The fourth stanza continues to praise the retired bridge, describing its beauty and magnificence. The language used, such as "imposing glow" and "deity," elevates the bridge to a higher level of importance.

Stanza 5: The fifth stanza shifts the focus to the activity around the bridge, such as the fishermen and boats. The contrast between the quietude of the old bridge and the noise of the traffic passing by is striking.

Stanza 6: The final stanza is a direct address to the retired bridge, thanking it for its service and valour.

Overall, your poem paints a vivid picture of the retired bridge and the impact of modernity on infrastructure. The use of contrasting language and imagery effectively conveys the sense of loss and nostalgia felt by the speaker.
In terms of similar poems from other authors, "London Bridge" by William Wordsworth comes to mind. In that poem, the bridge is personified and the speaker laments the changes wrought by time and modernity. "The Bridge" by Hart Crane is also a poem that explores the symbolism and significance of a bridge.

I hope this analysis was helpful!
 
Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome! If you have any further questions or would like further analysis, don't hesitate to ask. Goodbye for now!

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"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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                              THE  RETIRED  BRIDGE

As yonder the roaring lorries
Grew yet bigger and greedier,
Was need’d a bridge much larger
To deal with the polluting flurries.

A new bridge hath been built, 'tis true,
As necessity finally took the cue
That yon traffic, greedy and roaring,
Need'd a bridge more sprawling.

'Tis true, did stretch larger the new link,
More welcom’d for its convenience, indeed,
As it resist’d better the careering speed
Of yon roaring contraptions that did stink.

But, rather devoid of any inspiring majesty
Be some bridges of the new technology;
Hardly do they instil in us any poetry,
As they only look to the needs of modernity.

After years and years of shock-absorbing,
In a well-deserv'd and leisurely retirement
My good old bridge be now a-basking,
In keeping with my wish most fervent.

My old bridge retains all its beauty,
All its awesome and imposing glow,
Its magnificence for yet many a morrow,
And looks on the whole place like a deity.

My old bridge gazes on at the lonely fisherman,
At the rustic fishing boat gliding on silently,
At yon fleeting craft, yon far-away catamaran,
As yon smoke-belching traffic roars on speedily.

                                                  * * *
 
A new bridge was need'd; fair enough;
Build it in all manners ready and rough,
If ye must, for that be indeed today
An absolute necessity in many a way.

But, watch it ! Don't anybody dare touch
My reposing bridge that be now silent;
To defend it am I determin'd very much :
'Pon fighting out for it am I fully bent.

They did smash up my smart smithy,
They did demolish my delicious dairy,
They did banish my beneficent bakery :
Nothing escapes this marauding modernity.

But, if ever they dare touch my old bridge,
I will certainly shoot them off yon ridge;
Hence ! Avaunt !  Hands off my treasure
I'm keeping for posterity with pleasure !

Good old bridge, unto thee let me say
Thanks for thy unflinching labour,
We thank thee for thy faultless valour,
As sing these words from the poet today.

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