To celebrate my 1st lecture of ‘Dialectic in Architecture’ module in
this so-called 'Spring term', [ we're no way near spring season here in MCR ], I
would like to share with you:
RUINS by Eliza Griswold.
In a lot of ways this poem is about misunderstanding tackled in
a poetic manner but in a kind of disturbing way...While reading through
this poem keep in mind that Eliza, the poet, is in the meantime in
Afghanistan, thus, she wrote this piece while she is in Africa however she begins it in
Rome but refers back to where she is now.
I am sharing this beautiful writing because of its honesty and because the
poet is not merely trying to turn austerities into aesthetics objects 'The dead
man looked like this. No, that.'
Also, I directly connect this poem to my new lecture series that I
will be taking throughout this term because the subject given is set in
Italy and what a lovely way to start with such a strong material; RUINS!
My favourite stanza is right at the end:
'Here’s a flock of tourists
in matching canvas hats.
This year will take from me
the hardened person
who I longed to be.
I am healing by mistake.
Rome is also built on ruins'
so what's yours?