In The Lane

By John Frederick Freeman

Elegy
    The birds return,     The blossom brightens again the cherry bough.     The hedges are green again     In the airless lane,     And hedge and blossom and bird call, Now, now, now!     O birds, return!     Who will care if the blossom die on the bough,     Or the hedge be bare again     In the screaming lane?     For what they were these are not, are not now.     The one gone makes     All that remain seem strange and lonely now.     She will not walk here again     In the blossoming lane:--     And there's a dead bough in every blossoming bough.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant exploration of loss, time, and the cyclical nature of life. The themes are brought to life through vivid and symbolic imagery of nature - the returning birds, the blossoming cherry bough, and the green hedges - all underscored by the emphatic refrain "Now, now, now!" The use of nature as a metaphor for life and its perpetual cycles adds depth to the overarching theme of loss, highlighting the contrast between the enduring, repetitive rhythm of nature and the finality of personal loss.

The tone of the poem evolves from initial joy and celebration of renewal in the first stanza, to sorrow and melanchity in the second and third. The structure of the poem mirrors this progression, as the first stanza rejoices in the return of life, while the following two stanzas mourn the absence of a loved one, signified by the "one gone." The ending line, "And there's a dead bough in every blossoming bough," is particularly poignant, suggesting that even amidst the vibrancy of life, reminders of loss and death are ever-present. The repeated use of the word "now" serves to emphasize the immediacy and urgency of the present moment, as well as the transient nature of life. Overall, the poem is a profound meditation on the ceaseless cycles of life and death, joy and sorrow, presence and absence.

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.