De Profundis

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Elegy
    Ah! days so dark with death's eclipse!         Woe are we! woe are we!      And the nights are ages long!     From breaking hearts, thro' pallid lips         O my God! woe are we!      Trembleth the mourner's song;         A blight is falling on the fair,         And hope is dying in despair,         And terror walketh everywhere.     All the hours are full of tears --         O my God! woe are we!      Grief keeps watch in brightest eyes --     Every heart is strung with fears,         Woe are we! woe are we!      All the light hath left the skies,         And the living awe struck crowds         See above them only clouds,         And around them only shrouds.     Ah! the terrible farewells!         Woe are they! woe are they!      When last words sink into moans,     While life's trembling vesper bells --         O my God! woe are we!      Ring the awful undertones!         Not a sun in any day!         In the night-time not a ray,         And the dying pass away!     Dark! so dark! above -- below --         O my God! woe are we!      Cowereth every human life.     Wild the wailing; to and fro!         Woe are all! woe are we!      Death is victor in the strife:         In the hut and in the hall         He is writing on the wall         Dooms for many -- fears for all.     Thro' the cities burns a breath,         Woe are they! woe are we!      Hot with dread and deadly wrath;     Life and love lock arms in death,         Woe are they! woe are all!      Victims strew the spectre's path;         Shy-eyed children softly creep         Where their mothers wail and weep --         In the grave their fathers sleep.     Mothers waft their prayers on high,         O my God! woe are we!      With their dead child on their breast.     And the altars ask the sky --         O my Christ! woe are we!      "Give the dead, O Father, rest!         Spare thy people! mercy! spare!"         Answer will not come to prayer --         Horror moveth everywhere.     And the temples miss the priest --         O my God! woe are we!      And the cradle mourns the child.     Husband at your bridal feast --         Woe are you! woe are you!      Think how those poor dead eyes smiled;         They will never smile again --         Every tie is cut in twain,         All the strength of love is vain.     Weep? but tears are weak as foam --         Woe are ye! woe are we!      They but break upon the shore     Winding between here and home --         Woe are ye! woe are we!      Wailing never! nevermore!         Ah! the dead! they are so lone,         Just a grave, and just a stone,         And the memory of a moan.     Pray! yes, pray! for God is sweet --         O my God! woe are we!      Tears will trickle into prayers     When we kneel down at His feet --         Woe are we! woe are we!      With our crosses and our cares.         He will calm the tortured breast,         He will give the troubled rest --         And the dead He watcheth best.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a profound meditation on mortality, grief, and despair, permeated with a sense of profound sorrow and anguish. The recurring refrain "woe are we" underscores the collective suffering, suggesting that the pain articulated in the poem is not individual but communal. The theme of death is pervasive, with the poet employing striking images of darkness, shadows, and the absence of light to symbolically convey the magnitude of loss and the ensuing despair.

The poem utilizes a consistent structure, with the repetition of certain phrases providing a rhythm that underscores the relentless nature of grief. The repetition of the phrase "O my God!" also evokes a sense of desperate pleas or prayers, emphasizing the religious undertones of the poem. The theme of faith is also prevalent, with the poet portraying prayer as a form of solace amidst the despair, suggesting a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow. The use of exclamation marks throughout the poem serves to heighten the sense of urgency and distress.

The poem is also rich in metaphors and vivid imagery, which serve to depict the extent of the collective grief and loss. Words such as "eclipse," "pallid," "blight," and "spectre" create a sense of doom and decay, further enhancing the bleak tone of the poem. Overall, the poem is a poignant exploration of the human condition in the face of death and loss, offering a raw and moving depiction of collective grief and despair.

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.