Wisdom And A Mother

Author: John Frederick Freeman

    Why, mourner, do you mourn, nor see
    The heavenly Earth's felicity?

    I mourn for him, my Dearest, lost,
    Who lived a frail life at my cost.

    A grief like yours how many have known!

    Were that a balm to ease my own!
    Or rather might I not accuse
    The Hand that does not even choose,
    But, taking blindly, took my best,
    And as indifferently takes the rest ...
    Like mine? Is there denied to me
    Even Sorrow's singularity?
Send via Email Share via WhatsApp Share on X

Type of Poem: Elegy

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem exudes the universal themes of loss, grief, and the quest for understanding in the face of tragedy. The poem commences with a question, challenging the mourner's inability to appreciate the beauty of life despite their sorrow. The mourning character's response is a lament for their lost loved one, introducing the theme of a particular, personal loss.

The tone of the poem is somber and reflective, underscored by the introspective rhetoric. The structure, alternating between dialogue and introspection, adds a dynamic layer, giving readers a sense of conversation and making the experience of the poem more intimate.

A noteworthy literary device used here is the personification of the "Hand," which could be interpreted as fate or a divine entity. This "Hand" is accused of taking away the speaker's beloved without discernment, thus amplifying the mourners feelings of helplessness and despair. The poem culminates in a poignant question, underscoring the speaker's isolation in grief. This query casts sorrow as a unique, solitary experience, emphasizing the individual nature of loss and the loneliness it often incurs.

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.