Presentiment

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Elegy
    "My Sister"     Cometh a voice from a far-land!      Beautiful, sad, and low;     Shineth a light from the star-land!      Down on the night of my woe;     And a white hand, with a garland,      Biddeth my spirit to go.     Away and afar from the night-land,      Where sorrow o'ershadows my way,     To the splendors and skies of the light-land,      Where reigneth eternity's day;     To the cloudless and shadowless bright-land,      Whose sun never passeth away.     And I knew the voice; not a sweeter      On earth or in Heaven can be;     And never did shadow pass fleeter      Than it and its strange melody;     And I know I must hasten to meet her,      "Yea, ~Sister!~ thou callest to me!"     And I saw the light; 'twas not seeming,      It flashed from the crown that she wore,     And the brow, that with jewels was gleaming,      My lips had kissed often of yore!     And the eyes, that with rapture were beaming,      Had smiled on me sweetly before.     And I saw the hand with the garland,      Ethel's hand -- holy and fair;     Who went long ago to the far-land      To weave me the wreath I shall wear;     And to-night I look up to the star-land,      And pray that I soon may be there.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem exudes a melancholic beauty, exploring themes of loss, longing, and spiritual connection. The speaker's emotional journey is mapped out through the evocative imagery of a voice and light from the "star-land" calling them away from their sorrow-ridden "night-land." The tone is a poignant blend of melancholy and hope, amplified by the rhythmic structure of the poem, which guides the reader through the speaker's emotional transition.

The use of contrast between the "night-land" and "light-land" effectively illustrates the disparity between the speaker's current state and the place of comfort and peace they long for. The repetition of the word "land" in various compound words creates a sense of otherworldliness and ethereal beauty, reinforcing the sense of spiritual connection and transcendence. The poem’s use of apostrophes, such as "~Sister!~ thou callest to me!", adds an emotional depth, bringing to life the speaker's longing. Lastly, the poem's ending leaves a lasting impression of hope and anticipation for reunion, even in death, making it a profound reflection on love, loss, and enduring connections.

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.