When? (Death)

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Lyric Poem
    Some day in Spring,      When earth is fair and glad,     And sweet birds sing,      And fewest hearts are sad --         Shall I die then?         Ah! me, no matter when;     I know it will be sweet         To leave the homes of men      And rest beneath the sod,     To kneel and kiss Thy feet      In Thy home, O my God!     Some Summer morn      Of splendors and of songs,     When roses hide the thorn      And smile -- the spirit's wrongs --         Shall I die then?         Ah! me, no matter when;     I know I will rejoice         To leave the haunts of men      And lie beneath the sod,     To hear Thy tender voice      In Thy home, O my God!     Some Autumn eve,      When chill clouds drape the sky,     When bright things grieve      Because all fair things die --         Shall I die then?         Ah! me, no matter when,     I know I shall be glad,         Away from the homes of men,      Adown beneath the sod,     My heart will not be sad      In Thy home, O my God!     Some Wintry day,      When all skies wear a gloom,     And beauteous May      Sleeps in December's tomb,         Shall I die then?         Ah! me, no matter when;     My soul shall throb with joy         To leave the haunts of men      And sleep beneath the sod.     Ah! there is no alloy      In Thy joys, O my God!     Haste, death! be fleet;     I know it will be sweet      To rest beneath the sod,     To kneel and kiss Thy feet      In heaven, O my God!

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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 themes of mortality, spiritual longing, and the cyclical nature of life, using the progression of the seasons as a metaphor for the journey of life. The poem's tone is one of peaceful acceptance and even anticipation of death, providing an intriguing counterpoint to the often feared topic.

The poem is structured around four stanzas, each representing a season and corresponding phase of life: Spring (youth), Summer (adulthood), Autumn (old age), and Winter (death). This cyclical structure underscores the poem's theme of life's natural progression, while also echoing the inevitability of death.

The repetition of the phrase "Shall I die then?" at the beginning of each stanza creates a refrain that is both haunting and comforting. This refrain, coupled with the speaker's serene acceptance of death, serves as a powerful statement on the beauty and transcendence of the afterlife. The poem also utilizes personification, such as 'roses hide the thorn' and 'bright things grieve', lending an almost human quality to nature, which further emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and death.

The poem is rich in religious imagery and sentiment, suggesting a deep spiritual faith that views death not as an end but as a transition to a divine home. The repeated phrases "To leave the haunts/homes of men" and "in Thy home, O my God" emphasize this strong spiritual belief and longing for union with the divine.

In essence, this poem offers a profound meditation on the cyclical nature of life and death, presenting death not as something to be feared, but as a peaceful transition to a different, divine existence. The rich imagery and spiritual undertones provide layers of depth, making this a thoughtful and moving piece of poetry.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.