Author: Nathaniel Parker Willis

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    Pass thou on! for the vow is said
        That is never broken;
    The hand of blessing hath, trembling, laid
    On snowy forehead and simple braid,
        And the word is spoken
    By lips that never their words betray'd.

    Pass thou on! for thy human all
        Is richly given,
    And the voice that claim'd its holy thrall
    Must be sweeter for life than music's fall,
        And, this side Heaven,
    Thy lip may never that trust recal.

    Pass thou on! yet many an eye
        Will droop and glisten;
    And the hushing heart in vain will try
    To still its pulse as thy step goes by
        And we "vainly listen
    For thy voice of witching melody."

    Pass thou on! yet a sister's tone
        In its sweetness lingers,
    Like some twin echo sent back alone,
    Or the bird's soft note when its mate hath flown,
        And a sister's fingers
    Will again o'er the thrilling harp be thrown.

    And our eyes will rest on their foreheads fair,
        And our hearts awaken
    Whenever we come where their voices are - 
    But oh, we shall think how musical were,
        Ere of thee forsaken,
    The mingled voices we listed there.

    Pass on! there is not of our blessings one
        That may not perish - 
    Like visiting angels whose errand is done,
    They are never at rest till their home is won,
        And we may not cherish
    The beautiful gift of thy light - Pass on!

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a poignant exploration of themes such as transition, loss, and the fleeting nature of human connection. Its tone is gently melancholic, underscoring the sense of longing and quiet acceptance that permeates the lines. The repetition of the phrase "Pass thou on!" lends a rhythmic structure to the poem and emphasizes the relentless forward motion of life.

The poet utilizes metaphor and simile to imbue the narrative with a sense of sensory richness and emotional depth. The comparison of the subject's departure to a bird's flight illustrates the solitary sorrow of those left behind, while the likening of blessings to visiting angels underscores their fleeting, transient nature. Such elements evoke a sense of the ethereal and speak to the fragility of human experience.

Interestingly, the poem seems to oscillate between moments of individual and collective mourning, suggesting a shared experience of loss. The final lines encapsulate this shared vulnerability, reminding us that while life's blessings are beautiful, they are also transient. Thus, the poem invites the reader to cherish these fleeting moments of connection, even as it acknowledges their inevitable passing.