Old Trees

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Elegy
    Old trees, old trees! in your mystic gloom      There's many a warrior laid,     And many a nameless and lonely tomb      Is sheltered beneath your shade.     Old trees, old trees! without pomp or prayer      We buried the brave and the true,     We fired a volley and left them there      To rest, old trees, with you.     Old trees, old trees! keep watch and ward      Over each grass-grown bed;     'Tis a glory, old trees, to stand as guard      Over the Southern dead;     Old trees, old trees! we shall pass away      Like the leaves you yearly shed,     But ye, lone sentinels, still must stay,      Old trees, to guard "our dead".

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem speaks volumes about mortality, honor, and the enduring legacy of nature. Its central figures, the "old trees," serve as silent guardians over the graves of fallen warriors, embodying a sense of timelessness and permanence that contrasts with the fleeting nature of human life. The repetition of "old trees, old trees!" underlines their significance and creates a rhythmic structure, giving the poem a solemn, chant-like quality.

The tone of the poem is both melancholic and reverential, emphasizing themes of death and valor. The warriors' burial without "pomp or prayer" and with a solitary "volley" suggests a humble, unsung heroism, which is further highlighted by the descriptor, "the brave and the true." The closing lines cement the tree's role as eternal protectors, a poignant symbol of the Southern dead's legacy.

The poet's repeated use of the apostrophe addresses the trees directly, creating a personal, intimate atmosphere. This device also personifies the trees, endowing them with qualities of watchfulness and honor. The theme of cyclical recurrence - suggested by the shedding of leaves and the inevitable passing of the living - is contrasted with the immutability of the trees and the memories they safeguard. This creates a sense of continuity and enduring respect, underlining the poem's overall theme of honor in death.

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.