For The Consecration Of A Cemetery

Author: Horatio Alger, Jr.

    This verdant field that smiles to Heaven
    In Nature's bright array,
    From common uses set apart,
    We consecrate to-day.

    "God's Acre" be it fitly called,
    For when, beneath the sod,
    We lay the dead with reverent hands,
    We yield them back to God.

    And His great love, so freely given,
    Shall speak in clearer tones,
    When, pacing through these hallowed walks,
    We read memorial stones.

    Here let the sunshine softly fall,
    And gently drop the rain,
    And Nature's countless harmonies
    Blend one accordant strain;

    That they who seek this sacred place,
    In mourning solitude,
    In all this gracious company
    May have their faith renewed.

    So, lifted to serener heights,
    And purified from dross,
    Their trustful hearts shall rest on God,
    And profit by their loss.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a poignant exploration of themes of death, faith, and renewal, set within the serene and embracing framework of nature. The poem’s tone balances both reverence and tranquility, encapsulating the natural cycle of life and death as a spiritual journey back to God. The use of the phrase “God’s Acre” stands out as an illustrative metaphor for a cemetery, emphasizing the sanctity of the space and the divine process of death as a return to the Creator.

The structure of the poem, comprised of neat quatrains, enhances this sense of order and harmony inherent in the poem's themes. The recurring natural imagery throughout the verses - the verdant field, sunshine, and rain - suggests a comforting continuity and unity in nature that mirrors the enduring human spirit. Furthermore, the poet’s use of the phrase “gracious company” to describe the deceased in the cemetery indicates a sense of community and shared experience in facing mortality. The poem concludes on a hopeful note, positing that through loss, individuals may find an elevation and purification of their faith, thereby transforming grief into a source of spiritual growth and resilience.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.