I See Around Me Tombstones Grey

By Emily Bronte

Elegy
    I see around me tombstones grey     Stretching their shadows far away.     Beneath the turf my footsteps tread     Lie low and lone the silent dead,     Beneath the turf, beneath the mould,     Forever dark, forever cold,     And my eyes cannot hold the tears     That memory hoards from vanished years     For Time and Death and Mortal pain     Give wounds that will not heal again,     Let me remember half the woe     I've seen and heard and felt below,     And Heaven itself, so pure and blest,     Could never give my spirit rest,     Sweet land of light! thy children fair     Know nought akin to our despair,     Nor have they felt, nor can they tell     What tenants haunt each mortal cell,     What gloomy guests we hold within,     Torments and madness, tears and sin!     Well, may they live in ectasy     Their long eternity of joy;     At least we would not bring them down     With us to weep, with us to groan,     No, Earth would wish no other sphere     To taste her cup of sufferings drear;     She turns from Heaven with a careless eye     And only mourns that we must die!     Ah mother, what shall comfort thee     In all this boundless misery?     To cheer our eager eyes a while     We see thee smile; how fondly smile!     But who reads not through that tender glow     Thy deep, unutterable woe:     Indeed no dazzling land above     Can cheat thee of thy children's love.     We all, in life's departing shine,     Our last dear longings blend with thine;     And struggle still and strive to trace     With clouded gaze, thy darling face.     We would not leave our native home     For any world beyond the Tomb.     No, rather on thy kindly breast     Let us be laid in lasting rest;     Or waken but to share with thee     A mutual immortality.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This deeply emotional poem is steeped in themes of mortality, loss, and the human struggle with the concept of death. The speaker confronts the harsh reality of our transient existence, presenting a raw and intimate exploration of grief and despair. A significant aspect of this exploration is the stark contrast drawn between the earthly realm, depicted as a place of suffering and sorrow, and the heavenly realm, which is portrayed as pure and joyful but ultimately detached from human pain.

The poem's tone is consistently somber and reflective, with an undercurrent of profound sadness. The speaker's lamentation of the "wounds that will not heal again" and their inability to find peace even in the promise of heaven reveals a deep sense of anguish. This melancholic tone is mirrored in the poem's structure, which is characterized by long, flowing lines that evoke a sense of yearning and loss.

The use of personification is a standout literary device in the poem. The earth is personified as a grieving mother, mourning the death of her children and offering herself as a place of eternal rest. This maternal imagery enriches the poem's thematic exploration of death, adding a layer of warmth and tenderness to the otherwise bleak subject matter. The speaker's longing to remain with the earth— their "native home"— instead of ascending to heaven suggests an acceptance of mortality as an inherent part of the human experience and a desire for a "mutual immortality" grounded in shared suffering and love. Overall, the poem offers a poignant and thoughtful meditation on death, grief, and the human condition.

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.