I. M. - Margaritae Sorori (1886) - A Late Lark Twitters From The Quiet Skies

By William Ernest Henley

Elegy
    A late lark twitters from the quiet skies;     And from the west,     Where the sun, his day's work ended,     Lingers as in content,     There falls on the old, grey city     An influence luminous and serene,     A shining peace.     The smoke ascends     In a rosy-and-golden haze.    The spires     Shine, and are changed.    In the valley     Shadows rise.    The lark sings on.    The sun,     Closing his benediction,     Sinks, and the darkening air     Thrills with a sense of the triumphing night -     Night with her train of stars     And her great gift of sleep.     So be my passing!     My task accomplished and the long day done,     My wages taken, and in my heart     Some late lark singing,     Let me be gathered to the quiet west,     The sundown splendid and serene,     Death.     1876

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a contemplation of life and mortality, taking the natural world as its metaphorical mirror. The poet uses the setting of a day's end to symbolize the end of life, drawing upon images of the setting sun, the singing lark, and the peaceful city to evoke a sense of tranquility and acceptance.

The structure of the poem is free verse, allowing the poet to create a flowing, narrative-like rhythm that mirrors the progression of time. The language is richly descriptive, creating a vivid, almost painterly picture of the scene. The tone is reflective, yet peaceful, suggesting an acceptance and even welcoming of the inevitable.

The poet uses a number of standout literary devices, including personification and metaphor. The sun is personified as a worker finishing his day, while the night is personified as a triumphant figure bringing sleep. The lark's song is a recurring motif, providing a symbol of life's persistent beauty and joy even as it draws to a close.

The final stanza reveals the true subject of the poem: the speaker's own mortality. The poet expresses a desire for a peaceful death, mirroring the serene end of the day described earlier. This reveal gives the preceding descriptions added depth and poignancy, transforming the poem into a profound meditation on life, death, and the beauty of the natural world.

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.