Last Days

By Madison Julius Cawein

Elegy
    Aye! heartbreak of the tattered hills,     And mourning of the raining sky!     Heartbreak and mourning, since God wills,         Are mine, and God knows why!     The brutal wind that herds the storm     In hail-big clouds that freeze along,     As this gray heart are doubly warm         With thrice the joy of song.     I held one dearer than each day     Of life God sets in limpid gold     What thief hath stole that gem away         To leave me poor and old!     The heartbreak of the hills be mine,     Of trampled twig and mired leaf,     Of rain that sobs through thorn and pine         An unavailing grief!     The sorrow of the childless skies'     Good-nights, long said, yet never said,     As when I kissed my child's blue eyes         And lips ice-dumb and dead.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This melancholic piece is a poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the harshness of nature, all of which mirror the speaker's internal emotional turmoil. The poem's tone is somber and resigned, reflecting the speaker's struggle with the acceptance of a deep personal loss, possibly a child, as suggested in the final stanza. The recurring themes of 'heartbreak' and 'mourning' are juxtaposed with natural elements like 'tattered hills,' 'raining sky,' 'brutal wind,' and 'childless skies,' emphasizing the profound bond between human emotions and the natural world.

The poem is structured in five quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme, which gives it a rhythmic flow and underscore the continuity of sorrow. The personification of nature as an entity sharing the speaker's grief is a standout literary device used throughout the poem. For example, the 'rain that sobs through thorn and pine' and 'childless skies' with 'good-nights, long said, yet never said.' The use of such vivid and emotive language enhances the overall impact of the poem, making the reader experience the depth of the speaker's heartache.

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.