Dirge

By Madison Julius Cawein

Elegy
What shall her silence keep Under the sun? Here, where the willows weep And waters run; Here, where she lies asleep, And all is done. Lights, when the tree-top swings; Scents that are sown; Sounds of the wood-bird's wings; And the bee's drone: These be her comfortings Under the stone. What shall watch o'er her here When day is fled? Here, when the night is near And skies are red; Here, where she lieth dear And young and dead. Shadows, and winds that spill Dew; and the tune Of the wild whippoorwill; And the white moon; These be the watchers still Over her stone.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem strikes a profound chord with its elegiac tone, mourning the loss of a young woman. The primary theme is death and the silence it brings, punctuated by the natural world's continuous, unending cycles. Notably, the poet contrasts the stillness of death ('her silence') with the ongoing life around it, symbolized through sensory elements such as the willow's weeping, the wood-bird's wings, the bee's drone, and the whippoorwill's tune.

The poem's structure is uniform, with each stanza following a similar pattern, which enhances its solemn and reflective rhythm. The repetition of the phrase "here, where" helps to ground the poem in a specific location, creating an intimate, personal connection to the deceased. The poet employs personification and vivid imagery, assigning roles to natural elements as both comforters and watchers over the deceased, highlighting the continuity of life even amid death. This poignant juxtaposition underscores the poem's melancholic beauty, leaving readers with a sense of serenity and acceptance in the face of life's ultimate inevitability.

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.