I don't even know...
“Poetry is a search for ways of communication; it must be conducted with openness, flexibility, and a constant readiness to listen. ”
- Fleur Adcock
The Greeks were the fathers of classical art
Well, the Romans also did their part
But mostly they copied from bronze into stone
At least they never claimed them for their own...
While the Greeks searched for a canon they might work from
They invented humanism, realism, and idealism.
Striving to create a more real looking man,
While fixing his imperfections as best they can.
They changed their statues' postures making them look more free.
Then discovered the beauty of symmetry.
They applied this concept to the Parthenon
Creating a building with the proportions of a human.
Dedicated to Athena, the goddess of war,
They hoped for her memory to last, forevermore.
This goal they did accomplish, its radiance bright.
This structure can be seen from afar, well into the night.
Having taken years to build, more than 10,
Its style is widely recognized, even more now than then.
The Parthenon's 2D and 3D forms are a common sight throughout
Doric style columns are what it's all about.
Pleasing to the eyes with few thresholds and walls,
One cannot help to feel free, ecstatic, enthralled.
The roof is held up with no help from mortar
By post and lintel frames, proving an efficient supporter.
This building is extravagant, but so were the Greeks
They held the value of life high, celebrating sometimes for weeks.
It also depicts some struggles, battles and wars,
Between the Greeks and their rivals (who would be no more).
Built using Pentelic marble, found only in Greece,
By using this marble, there was no need for concrete.
Although they look straight, the Parthenon's columns are not,
Following Vitruvius' concepts, they curve in certain spots.
Through its 2500 years many have not been kind
The Parthenon is one building to have survived the test of time.
If not for the Turkish, the roof would still be intact.
Although many sculptures remained, some were cracked.
Athena must have been a very important figure
For the statue is enormous, the one that resembles her.
The room in which she is settled is also great
It is the largest of the rooms inside of the place.
Many try and match the Parthenon's style today.
Although they try hard, they will be dismayed.
One cannot replicate the Greek classical style.
Using only the images they've missed all meaning by miles.
Rather than prepare all their lives for death, like the Egyptians
Their art shows them celebrating life with vivid descriptions.
The Greeks were learned, creative, and smart
Which they clearly defined through the use of their art.
Try to imagine during their time the temple's reliefs
Painted beautifully and brilliantly the Greek's beliefs.
The golden Athena with her mighty gaze,
Staring down at the people. They look back, amazed.
Do not take for granted this structure, for someday it may be lost.
It is one of the last of its kind remaining, so what of the cost?
It reminds us of where we came from, and the capabilities of ancient man.
And of the things we can aspire to, the ability to say “I can”.
- Fleur Adcock
The Greeks were the fathers of classical art
Well, the Romans also did their part
But mostly they copied from bronze into stone
At least they never claimed them for their own...
While the Greeks searched for a canon they might work from
They invented humanism, realism, and idealism.
Striving to create a more real looking man,
While fixing his imperfections as best they can.
They changed their statues' postures making them look more free.
Then discovered the beauty of symmetry.
They applied this concept to the Parthenon
Creating a building with the proportions of a human.
Dedicated to Athena, the goddess of war,
They hoped for her memory to last, forevermore.
This goal they did accomplish, its radiance bright.
This structure can be seen from afar, well into the night.
Having taken years to build, more than 10,
Its style is widely recognized, even more now than then.
The Parthenon's 2D and 3D forms are a common sight throughout
Doric style columns are what it's all about.
Pleasing to the eyes with few thresholds and walls,
One cannot help to feel free, ecstatic, enthralled.
The roof is held up with no help from mortar
By post and lintel frames, proving an efficient supporter.
This building is extravagant, but so were the Greeks
They held the value of life high, celebrating sometimes for weeks.
It also depicts some struggles, battles and wars,
Between the Greeks and their rivals (who would be no more).
Built using Pentelic marble, found only in Greece,
By using this marble, there was no need for concrete.
Although they look straight, the Parthenon's columns are not,
Following Vitruvius' concepts, they curve in certain spots.
Through its 2500 years many have not been kind
The Parthenon is one building to have survived the test of time.
If not for the Turkish, the roof would still be intact.
Although many sculptures remained, some were cracked.
Athena must have been a very important figure
For the statue is enormous, the one that resembles her.
The room in which she is settled is also great
It is the largest of the rooms inside of the place.
Many try and match the Parthenon's style today.
Although they try hard, they will be dismayed.
One cannot replicate the Greek classical style.
Using only the images they've missed all meaning by miles.
Rather than prepare all their lives for death, like the Egyptians
Their art shows them celebrating life with vivid descriptions.
The Greeks were learned, creative, and smart
Which they clearly defined through the use of their art.
Try to imagine during their time the temple's reliefs
Painted beautifully and brilliantly the Greek's beliefs.
The golden Athena with her mighty gaze,
Staring down at the people. They look back, amazed.
Do not take for granted this structure, for someday it may be lost.
It is one of the last of its kind remaining, so what of the cost?
It reminds us of where we came from, and the capabilities of ancient man.
And of the things we can aspire to, the ability to say “I can”.