C.S.A

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Elegy
    Do we weep for the heroes who died for us,     Who living were true and tried for us,     And dying sleep side by side for us;         The Martyr-band         That hallowed our land     With the blood they shed in a tide for us?     Ah! fearless on many a day for us     They stood in front of the fray for us,     And held the foeman at bay for us;         And tears should fall         Fore'er o'er all     Who fell while wearing the gray for us.     How many a glorious name for us,     How many a story of fame for us     They left: Would it not be a blame for us         If their memories part         From our land and heart,     And a wrong to them, and shame for us?     No, no, no, they were brave for us,     And bright were the lives they gave for us;     The land they struggled to save for us         Will not forget         Its warriors yet     Who sleep in so many a grave for us.     On many and many a plain for us     Their blood poured down all in vain for us,     Red, rich, and pure, like a rain for us;         They bleed -- we weep,         We live -- they sleep,     "All lost," the only refrain for us.     But their memories e'er shall remain for us,     And their names, bright names, without stain for us:     The glory they won shall not wane for us,         In legend and lay         Our heroes in Gray     Shall forever live over again for us.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, with its martial undertones and veneration of fallen heroes, is a poignant exploration of sacrifice, loss, and remembrance. The overriding theme is a tribute to the valor and selflessness of warriors who laid down their lives for a cause. The poet adeptly employs a mournful tone to underscore the sorrow and gratitude felt for these individuals, emphasizing their heroism and their enduring legacy in the annals of history.

The poem's structure, featuring a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, contributes to its overall solemn and reverential atmosphere. The repetition of "for us" at the end of many lines reinforces the sense of indebtedness felt towards the warriors, while the use of color symbolism, particularly the recurring image of red blood, underscores the violence and sacrifice inherent in their deeds. The use of personification, as in "The Martyr-band / That hallowed our land," imbues the fallen with an almost saintly aura, suggesting that their sacrifices have consecrated the land they fought for. Despite the evident tragedy of lives lost, the poem ends on a note of immortality and reverence, ensuring that the heroes' names and deeds "shall forever live over again for us."

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.