From Unbelief To Belief

By Madison Julius Cawein

    Why come ye here to sigh that I,     Who with crossed wrists so peaceless lie     Before ye, am at rest, at rest!     For that the pistons of my blood     No more in this machinery thud?     And on these eyes, that once were blest     With magnetism of fire, are prest     Thin, damp, pale eyelids for a sheath,     Whereon the bony claw of Death     Hath set his coins of unseen lead,     Stamped with the image of his head?     Why come ye here to weep for one,     Who is forgotten when he's gone     From ye and burthened with this rest     Your God hath given him! unsought     Of any prayers, whiles yet he wrought, -     And with what sacrifices bought!     Low, sweet communion mouth to mouth     Of thoughts that dewed eternal drought     Of Life's bald barrenness, - a jest,     An irony hath grown confessed     When he's at rest! when he's at rest!     Why come ye, fools! - ye lie! ye lie!     Rashly! the grave, for such as I,     Hath naught that lies as near this rest     As your high Heaven lies near your Hell!     I see why now that it is well     That men but know the husk-like shell,     Which like a fruit the being kept,     That swinked and sported, woke and slept;     From which that stern essential stept,     That ichor-veined inhabitant     Who makes me all myself, in all     My moods the "I" original,     That holds one orbit like a star,     Distinct, to which a similar     There never was, and be there can't.     And as it is, it is the best     That Death hath my poor body dressed     In such fair semblance of a rest,     Which soothes the hearts of those distressed;     But, God! unto the dead the jest     Of this his rest, of this his rest!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a profound exploration of death, rest, and the individual's unique place in the universe. The speaker, presumably deceased, questions the lamentations of the living, scrutinizing their understanding of death as a state of rest. The repeated phrase "at rest" is drenched in irony, pointing to the speaker's belief that death is not a peaceful cessation but a perplexing and possibly unsettling transition.

The poem’s tone is marked by a blend of defiance, contemplation, and melancholy. The speaker’s voice is assertive and confrontational, particularly in the lines, "Why come ye, fools! - ye lie! ye lie!" Despite the confrontational language, there's a sense of sadness and resignation, suggesting a deeper struggle with the concept of death and existence.

The structure of the poem is consistent, maintaining a steady rhythm and rhyme scheme that underscores the speaker's contemplative state. The poet’s use of metaphors such as "the pistons of my blood" and "bony claw of Death" creates vivid, haunting images that contribute to the somber mood.

The poem's climax is arguably its most powerful moment, asserting the distinctiveness of the individual's consciousness ("distinct, to which a similar there never was, and be there can't"). This assertion challenges the notion of death as a collective experience, emphasizing the isolation and uniqueness of each individual's path. The poem concludes with a bitter reflection on the irony of death, suggesting that the speaker finds neither solace nor humor in the concept of rest in death, a powerful and thought-provoking end to this intense contemplation on life, death, and individuality.

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.