“Noch luidt voor mij de avondgong/Die __ draag van kwade zweren/En nauw de dood ontsprong” are the haunting words of Dutch poet J. Slauerhoff, expressing a deep sense of melancholy and mortality. In this poignant poem, the poet reflects on the toll that life’s hardships have taken on him, acknowledging the scars he carries from past traumas and the near brushes with death that have shaped his existence.
The evening bell tolls for the poet, signaling the end of another day and serving as a reminder of the weight of his burdens. The phrase “Die __ draag van kwade zweren” evokes the image of wounds that have festered and plagued him, metaphorically representing the emotional scars and pain he has endured. These wounds are not just physical, but also symbolic of the struggles and traumas that have marked his journey through life.
The poet also alludes to the close calls with death that have defined his existence, suggesting that he has narrowly escaped the clutches of the grim reaper on more than one occasion. This sense of mortality and fragility underscores the poet’s awareness of his own mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
Slauerhoff’s evocative language and imagery create a sense of introspection and reflection, inviting readers to contemplate their own struggles and brushes with mortality. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitability of death and the scars that we carry with us throughout our lives.
In conclusion, “Noch luidt voor mij de avondgong/Die __ draag van kwade zweren/En nauw de dood ontsprong” is a powerful and introspective poem that delves into themes of mortality, suffering, and resilience. Slauerhoff’s poignant words resonate with readers, prompting them to reflect on their own experiences and the scars that shape their own journeys through life.