A to Z Blogging Challenge: U is for Ubi Sunt

 

A to Z Blogging Challenge:

U is for Ubi Sunt

by

Blooming Psycho

 

Ubi Sunt - Poetic theme in which the poet asks "where are" they, where have they gone. The theme began in Medieval Latin, with the formula ubi sunt used to introduce a roll-call of the dead or missing and to suggest how transitory life is.

 

We'll start with my offering, and then I'll share with you a protest song which utilizes this theme.

 

Where Have You Gone?

 

Where have you gone, my treasured dreams?

My hopes for a wonderful tomorrow, where are you now?

Do you lie dead and buried in some astral graveyard?

 

Where have you gone, my fervent hopes?

My dreams of a carefree life full of love and joy

You were always but a vapor in the air

 

Where have you gone, my dreams of love?

My handsome rescuer who would care for only me

Alas, dreams such as these are built upon insanity

 

Where have you gone, my hope-filled youth?

Was I not the one who was going to conquer all

There was no one here to grieve or laugh or catch me in my fall

 

Where have you gone, all my tomorrows?

Sometimes in the darkness I think I catch a fleeting glimpse of you

Are you angels of hope, or merely mocking spectres?

 

~Bloomy~

 

And now, a song

 

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE 
words and music by Pete Seeger
performed by Pete Seeger and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger

Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Girls have picked them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young girls gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young girls gone?
Taken husbands every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young men gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young men gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young men gone?
Gone for soldiers every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Covered with flowers every one
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?

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