Tears, Tears

By A. H. Laidlaw

Elegy
    Tears, tears,     With wifely fears     Immixed - I held my breath,     My boy!     As down the street     The drums did beat     That led you to your death,     My boy!     Oh! Oh!     Where'er I go,     And soldier boys I see,     My jo!     I wis', I wis',     For him whose kiss     Was blessedness to me,     My jo!     Still, still,     By wish and will,     The land you saved, I love,     My boy!     Beneath a stone,     It holds your bone,     I'll clasp your soul above,     My boy!

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Elegys
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem employs a simple, rhythmic structure to underscore a complex exploration of loss, memory, and national identity. The poet uses repetition effectively, particularly the heart-wrenching refrain "My boy!" and "My jo!", to emphasize the personal grief that frames the narrative. The use of colloquial language such as "wifely fears" and "I wis', I wis'" adds to the authenticity of the speaker's voice, drawing us into her intimate emotional world.

The theme of loss is deeply woven into the fabric of this poem, with a focus on the personal loss of a loved one in war. The evocative imagery of the drums leading the boy to his death, and the soldier boys that constantly remind her of what she has lost, highlights the omnipresence of her grief. Yet, amidst this sorrow, there is an underlying tone of pride and patriotism. The speaker expresses a profound love for the land her boy saved, suggesting that her personal loss is also a sacrifice for the greater good. The poem ends with a powerful image of the speaker vowing to keep her loved one's memory alive, serving as a testament to the enduring power of love and memory. The emotional journey provided by the poem is deeply moving, skillfully blending personal sorrow with broader themes of sacrifice and patriotism.

Understanding Elegy

An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. This type of poetry serves as a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life and the grief left behind.

Elegies are deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Mournful Tone: Elegies are characterized by a tone of sadness and reflection, as the poet grapples with the pain of loss.
  • Tribute to the Deceased: The subject of an elegy is often someone who has passed away, with the poem serving as a memorial that honors their life and legacy.
  • Personal Reflection: Elegies often include personal reflections on the impact of the deceased on the poet's life, as well as broader musings on mortality and the human condition.
  • Structure and Form: While elegies can vary in form, they often follow a traditional structure that includes an expression of grief, praise for the deceased, and a sense of consolation or acceptance.

From ancient times to the present, elegies have provided a way for poets to navigate the complexities of grief and loss, offering solace and a means of preserving the memory of those who have passed.