Passing Away

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Elegy
    Life's Vesper-bells are ringing      In the temple of my heart,     And yon sunset, sure, is singing      "Nunc dimittis -- Now depart!"     Ah! the eve is golden-clouded,      But to-morrow's sun shall shine     On this weary body shrouded;      But my soul doth not repine.     "Let me see the sun descending,      I will see his light no more,     For my life, this eve, is ending;      And to-morrow on the shore     That is fair, and white, and golden,      I will meet my God; and ye     Will forget not all the olden,      Happy hours ye spent with me.     "I am glad that I am going;      What a strange and sweet delight     Is thro' all my being flowing      When I know that, sure, to-night     I will pass from earth and meet Him      Whom I loved thro' all the years,     Who will crown me when I greet Him,      And will kiss away my tears.     "My last sun! haste! hurry westward!      In the dark of this to-night     My poor soul that hastens rest-ward      `With the Lamb' will find the light;     Death is coming -- and I hear him,      Soft and stealthy cometh he;     But I do not believe I fear him,      God is now so close to me."          *    *    *    *    *     Fell the daylight's fading glimmer      On a face so wan and white;     Brighter was his soul, while dimmer      Grew the shadows of the night;     And he died -- and God was near him;      I knelt by him to forgive;     And I sometimes seem to hear him      Whisper -- "Live as I did live."

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem explores the theme of death and the transition from life to the afterlife. The speaker seems to be on the verge of death, contemplating their final moments with a serene acceptance and anticipation of what's to come. There's a sense of peace and even joy in the speaker's tone, as they look forward to reuniting with God and being free from earthly suffering.

The poem's structure beautifully frames this person's final journey. The first three stanzas convey the speaker's thoughts on their impending death, their hope for the afterlife, and their farewell to their loved ones. The fourth stanza sees them beckoning death, unafraid because they feel God's presence. The poem then pauses with the five asterisks, as if to mark the actual moment of death, before the final stanza provides an outsider's view of the speaker's peaceful departure. The poem thus ends on a hopeful note, encouraging the living to lead a life as the speaker did.

The use of sunset and nightfall as metaphors for life's end and the transition to the afterlife is a standout literary device, intertwining the natural world with human mortality. The poem also employs personification, treating death as a 'soft and stealthy' entity approaching the speaker. This, combined with the peaceful tone, helps to demystify and destigmatize death, presenting it not as something to fear, but as a natural part of life's journey.

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.