Exploring Mortality and Beauty in John Burnside’s Final Work

In his posthumously published poetry collection, "The Empire of Forgetting," the late John Burnside confronts the themes of mortality and the exquisite beauty of the world. Released on July 22, 2025, this final anthology encapsulates Burnside's reflections on life and death, showcasing 19 poignant poems that delve into the human experience at the end of life.

John Burnside, who passed away in May 2024 at the age of 69, had a prolific literary career spanning over three decades. Despite starting his journey as a poet in his early thirties with his debut collection "The Hoop," he went on to produce nearly a book per year, comprising 17 poetry collections, novels, and memoirs. His works often explore deep existential themes, particularly the interplay between nature and human emotion.

According to Sarah Crown, a literary critic at The Guardian, Burnside's final collection stands out for its thematic coherence and its direct engagement with mortality. "These are poems that deal directly and almost exclusively with mortality," Crown stated in her review published in The Guardian on July 22, 2025. The collection reflects Burnside's evolving perspective on death, moving from general musings about loss to specific anticipations of his own passing.

The collection's opening poem, "Last Days," evokes a stark yet serene image of a hospice, illustrating the intersection of life and death through vivid imagery. Burnside writes, "starlight at the far end of the ward / where time has stopped, the way it sometimes stops / in theatres, when the actors leave the stage." This imagery resonates deeply, prompting readers to contemplate their own mortality and the fleeting nature of existence.

In "As If from the End Times," the poet’s reflections on the finality of life become palpable. The poem’s central stanza hauntingly articulates the bittersweet essence of endings, captured in the lines, "Last day of birdsong; salt rain in the trees; / the echo of someone going about / their business, making good or making hay / – you never know for sure, although you know / that something here is coming to an end." Burnside’s ability to weave the theme of death with the beauty of nature reinforces his reputation as a masterful poet.

The collection also sees Burnside returning to familial memories, particularly those of his parents, who have long been central figures in his writing. In the titular poem, he constructs a poignant narrative that intertwines memory with longing. He imagines a reunion with his mother, capturing moments of nostalgia and an almost epiphanic clarity: "What if my mother walked home in the grey of morning, one last day?" This exploration of memory serves as a means of navigating the complexities of loss and the passage of time.

Furthermore, Burnside’s portrayal of nature remains a vital element in his poetry. The collection is imbued with vivid depictions of landscapes and flora, contrasting the purity of the past with the degradation of the present. As noted by Professor Mark McGowan, an expert in contemporary poetry at the University of Edinburgh, "Burnside’s work often reflects on environmental loss, but in ‘The Empire of Forgetting’, he juxtaposes this with transcendent beauty, illuminating the duality of existence."

The poems evoke a rich tapestry of sensory experiences, from the sound of “small rain in the leaves” to the sight of “foxgloves, purple / loosestrife, sprawls / of clematis.” Such imagery not only enhances the emotional depth of the collection but also captures the essence of Burnside’s poetic voice—a voice that remains painfully alive to the beauty of the world even as it grapples with its impermanence.

In conclusion, "The Empire of Forgetting" serves as a fitting culmination of John Burnside’s literary legacy, blending themes of mortality with a profound appreciation for the beauty surrounding us. As readers engage with his final words, they are invited to reflect on their own lives, the memories they cherish, and the inevitable passage of time. Burnside’s work stands as a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate life’s complexities, leaving a lasting impact as we navigate the darkness together.

Published by Jonathan Cape, "The Empire of Forgetting" is a collection that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned, encapsulating the essence of a poet who was, in many ways, our guide through the Anthropocene—a light that has now dimmed but whose glow lingers on in the hearts of his readers.