Poem of the week: Renegade by Lionel Johnson

Published: Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:00 am

Poem of the Week: A Study in Disillusionment and Loss

This week's poem, "Renegade" by Lionel Johnson, offers a poignant exploration of disillusionment and the lingering echoes of a lost ideal. The poem, a faultless piece of lyric verse, is structured in three six-line stanzas, each linked by a recurring refrain that emphasizes the theme of something being "over."

The poem's speaker reflects on a past filled with dreams and a "Holy Land," now abandoned. The speaker, once connected to "high things unseen," now finds himself in the "dusty, trodden road of all," a merchant in the marketplace. The poem evokes a sense of loss, with the speaker lamenting the "abdicated throne" and "abandoned crown." The speaker now sits at the heart of a vast town, choosing anonymity and concealing his true emotions.

The poem's symbolism is open to interpretation, with some critics suggesting it reflects Johnson's conversion to Catholicism. Others interpret it through the lens of suppressed homosexuality, viewing the "Holy Land" as a metaphor for a lost erotic enchantment. The poem's dedication to Arthur Chamberlain, possibly a fellow member of the Rhymers Club, adds another layer of intrigue, hinting at a personal connection and shared understanding of the emotions expressed.

The poem's language is rich with imagery, creating a sense of both intimacy and universality. The speaker's physical appearance, particularly his eyes and looks, is emphasized, suggesting a confiding tone. Despite the speaker's attempts at denial, the poem reveals a passionate undercurrent, suggesting that the memory of the lost ideal remains vivid.

BNN's Perspective: "Renegade" is a compelling exploration of the human experience of loss and the struggle to reconcile with a changed reality. While the poem's specific context may be debated, its themes of disillusionment and the enduring power of memory resonate universally. The poem's beauty lies in its ability to capture the complexities of human emotion, making it a worthy subject for contemplation.

Keywords: Lionel Johnson, Renegade, poem, lyric verse, disillusionment, loss, memory, Arthur Chamberlain, Rhymers Club, Decadent movement, Holy Land, erotic, symbolism, poetry analysis, English poet, WB Yeats.

Full Story