In Late Fall

By Madison Julius Cawein

Elegy
        Such days as break the wild bird's heart;             Such days as kill it and its songs;         A death which knows a sweeter part             Of days to which such death belongs.         And now old eyes are filled with tears,             As with the rain the frozen flowers;         Time moves so slowly one but fears             The burthen on his wasted powers.         And so he stopped;--and thou art dead!             And that is found which once was feared:--         A farewell to thy gray, gray head,             A goodnight to thy goodly beard!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem explores themes of mortality, loss, and the passage of time, all framed within a naturalist perspective. The opening two lines employ the metaphor of a bird's death to evoke the cruelty of passing days, a powerful representation of the inexorable march of time. The bird, a traditional symbol of freedom and vitality, is contrasted with its own mortality, suggesting the harsh reality of life's transience.

The poem employs an ABAB rhyme scheme, which lends a rhythmic musicality, further emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and time. In terms of tone, the poem is melancholic, with the speaker mourning the death of an unidentified figure in the concluding lines. The imagery of the "gray, gray head" and "goodly beard" suggests the figure was aged, reinforcing the theme of mortality. The recurrent use of color, specifically "gray", symbolizes the dullness that comes with age and death, as well as the grief and sorrow experienced by the speaker.

The literary device of personification is used in describing time - "Time moves so slowly one but fears / The burthen on his wasted powers". This portrays time as a burdensome entity, a relentless, almost villainous force that drains vitality and life. The language is simple yet rich in visual imagery, evoking a somber and reflective mood. Overall, the poem is a poignant exploration of the inevitability of death, the sorrow of loss, and the melancholy of aging, all underpinned by a contemplative acceptance of the natural cycle of life.

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.