For The Services In Memory Of Abraham Lincoln

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Elegy
CITY OF BOSTON, JUNE 1, 1865 CHORAL: "LUTHER'S JUDGMENT HYMN."     O thou of soul and sense and breath     The ever-present Giver,     Unto thy mighty Angel, Death,     All flesh thou dost deliver;     What most we cherish we resign,     For life and death alike are thine,     Who reignest Lord forever!     Our hearts lie buried in the dust     With him so true and tender,     The patriot's stay, the people's trust,     The shield of the offender;     Yet every murmuring voice is still,     As, bowing to thy sovereign will,     Our best-loved we surrender.     Dear Lord, with pitying eye behold     This martyr generation,     Which thou, through trials manifold,     Art showing thy salvation     Oh let the blood by murder spilt     Wash out thy stricken children's guilt     And sanctify our nation!     Be thou thy orphaned Israel's friend,     Forsake thy people never,     In One our broken Many blend,     That none again may sever!     Hear us, O Father, while we raise     With trembling lips our song of praise,     And bless thy name forever!

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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 the themes of death, national unity, and divine intervention, set within the historical context of post-Civil War America. It employs a solemn and reverent tone, echoing the gravity of the time, and is structured as a hymn, with each stanza serving as a prayer to a higher power.

The poem opens with an acknowledgment of death, personified as a 'mighty Angel.' This personification, coupled with the capitalization of 'Death,' serves to elevate it as a divine entity to whom 'all flesh' is inevitably delivered. The second stanza expresses a collective grief, hinting at a shared national loss, likely referencing the death of Abraham Lincoln. The use of phrases like 'the patriot's stay, the people's trust' underlines the importance of the lost figure, further emphasizing the collective sense of sorrow.

The third and fourth stanzas shift the focus from mourning to redemption and unity. The 'martyr generation' suggests a generation that has made significant sacrifices, and the plea for the 'blood by murder spilt' to 'sanctify our nation' is a powerful image of redemption through suffering. The poem concludes with a call for unity, 'In One our broken Many blend,' and a hope for divine intervention to prevent future division. This plea, woven with 'trembling lips', marks the poem's overarching theme of seeking salvation and unity amidst national grief and turmoil.

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.