The theme of impermanence is central to Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Ozymandias." Through the depiction of a ruined statue in the desert, Shelley explores the transient nature of power and human achievements. The poem serves as a reminder that even the mightiest rulers and their grandest works will eventually fade into obscurity, leaving behind only remnants of their former glory.

The poem begins with a traveler recounting the sight of a shattered statue of Ozymandias, a once-powerful king. The inscription on the pedestal reads,

"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

This boastful declaration highlights the king's hubris and belief in his enduring legacy. However, the irony lies in the fact that nothing remains of his empire except the ruins of the statue, emphasizing the impermanence of human power.

Shelley's use of imagery further underscores this theme. The "colossal wreck" and the "lone and level sands" stretching far away create a stark contrast between Ozymandias's grand ambitions and the desolate reality of his legacy. The statue, once a symbol of strength and authority, now lies in decay, illustrating the inevitable decline of all human endeavors.

The poem's tone is both ironic and mocking, as it highlights the futility of human pride and ambition. Ozymandias's belief in his immortality is rendered meaningless by the passage of time, which erases all traces of his achievements. The poem serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the delusion of eternal power and the certainty of our own eventual obscurity.

Ultimately, "Ozymandias" conveys a powerful message about the fleeting nature of human accomplishments. By depicting the ruins of a once-mighty king's statue, Shelley reminds us that no matter how great we may think we are, time will eventually reduce us to nothing more than memories in the sands of history.