For The Window In St. Margarets In Memory Of A Son Of Archdeacon Farrar

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Elegy
    Afar he sleeps whose name is graven here,     Where loving hearts his early doom deplore;     Youth, promise, virtue, all that made him dear     Heaven lent, earth borrowed, sorrowing to restore.     BOSTON, April 12, 1891.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This brief yet poignant poem speaks to themes of loss, mortality, and the tragic brevity of life. The speaker mourns the death of a young individual, emphasizing the deep sense of sorrow experienced by those who loved him. The poem's tone is deeply melancholic, capturing the profound grief that comes with losing someone who embodied youth, promise, and virtue.

The structure of the poem, comprised of a single quatrain, lends it an elegiac quality. This compact format also underscores the theme of life's fleeting nature. The poet uses a standout metaphor in the third line to express the transience of life - that heaven lent, and earth borrowed, only to restore in sorrow. This effectively illustrates the cyclical nature of existence and the inevitable return to the divine, enriching the poem's mournful tone. The mention of the date and location at the end of the poem gives it a personal, diary-like quality, suggesting that the loss was closely felt by the poet. Despite its brevity, the poem leaves a lasting impression, demonstrating the power of concise, emotive language to evoke deep feelings of sorrow and loss.

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.