A Dirge

By Madison Julius Cawein

Elegy
             I.     Life has fled; she is dead,      Sleeping in the flow'ry vale     Where the fleeting shades are shed      Ghost-like o'er her features pale.     Lay her 'neath the violets wild,     Lay her like a dreaming child      'Neath the waving grass      Where the shadows pass.              II.     Gone she has to happy rest      With white flowers for her pillow;     Moons look sadly on her breast      Thro' an ever-weeping willow.     Fold her hands, frail flakes of snow,     Waxen as white roses blow      Like herself so fair,      Free from world and care.              III.     Twine this wreath of lilies wan      'Round her sculptured brow so white;     Let her rest here, white as dawn,      Like a lily quenched in night.     Wreath this rosebud wild and pale,     Wreath it 'mid her fingers frail;      On her dreamless breast      Let it dreaming rest.              IV.     Gently, gently lay her down,      Gently lay her form to sleep;     Gently let her soul be blown      Far away, while low we weep.     Hush! the earth no more can harm her     Now that choirs of angels charm her!      Dreams of life are brief;      Naught amendeth grief.              V.     Speed away! speed away!      Angels called her here to sleep;     Let us leave her here to stay:      Speed away! and, speeding, weep.     Where the roses blow and die,     'Neath them she a rose doth lie      Wilted in the grass      Where the shadows pass.

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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 solemn and tender exploration of death and mourning, presumably centering on a young or innocent life cut short. The imagery is rich and evocative, filled with delicate, natural symbols that create an ethereal atmosphere. The repeated references to flowers, particularly violets, roses, and lilies, serve as poignant metaphors for life's fragility and transient beauty. The poem adopts a tone of gentle lament, weaving a melancholy thread of acceptance and sorrow through its stanzas.

The structure of the poem, broken into five sections, allows for a narrative progression, guiding the reader through the stages of grief, remembrance, and eventual release. The rhythm of the verses, coupled with the recurring refrains about the 'shadows' and 'grass,' builds an almost lullaby-like cadence, reinforcing the theme of eternal rest. The concluding lines in each stanza encapsulate the central sentiments, from acknowledging the finality of death to expressing an enduring sense of loss. The poet uses the literary device of personification effectively, attributing human emotions to elements like the moon and roses, creating a sense of shared mourning. Despite its mournful subject matter, the poem ultimately offers a peaceful perspective on death, portraying it as a natural part of the life cycle, a transition to a serene, dreamless state beyond worldly concerns.

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.