Here's a breakdown of how this theme unfolds:
* The poem's setting is a distant future: The speaker addresses "a thousand years hence," a time when he and his present are long gone. This immediately establishes the theme of mortality and the inevitable passage of time.
* The speaker asks his audience to remember him: He wants to be remembered, not for his deeds or achievements, but for his artistic creations. This highlights the importance of art as a way to transcend time and leave a lasting legacy.
* The poem is a celebration of beauty: Flecker describes his artwork as "a jewel," "a burning rose," and "a song," emphasizing the transformative power of beauty and its ability to connect across time.
* The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of forgetting: He knows his name and works might be forgotten, but he believes the beauty of his art will endure, even if only in fragments. This reinforces the idea that art can outlast its creator and continue to resonate with future generations.
Overall, "To a Thousand Years Hence" is a powerful testament to the enduring power of art and the human spirit. Despite the inevitable march of time and the possibility of being forgotten, the speaker's art will remain as a reminder of his existence and a testament to the beauty and creativity of the human spirit.