Nightfall.

By Madison Julius Cawein

Elegy
O day, so sicklied o'er with night! O dreadful fruit of fallen dusk! A Circe orange, golden-bright, With horror 'neath its husk. And I, who gave the promise heed That made life's tempting surface fair, Have I not eaten to the seed Its ashes of despair! O silence of the drifted grass! And immemorial eloquence Of stars and winds and waves that pass! And God's indifference! Leave me alone with sleep that knows Not any thing that life may keep Not e'en the pulse that comes and goes In germs that climb and creep. Or if an aspiration pale Must quicken there, oh, let the spot Grow weeds! that dost may so prevail, Where spirit once could not!

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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 haunting exploration of disillusionment and despair, laced with a distinct sense of existential crisis. The central image of an orange, outwardly bright and enticing, but holding "horror 'neath its husk," adeptly captures the theme of deceptive appearances and inner desolation. The speaker's regret-filled reflection on past choices, represented by having eaten to the seed of life's illusion, adds a layer of personal anguish.

The poem employs an array of evocative natural imagery to underscore its themes. The "silence of the drifted grass" and the "eloquence of stars and winds and waves" suggest a universe indifferent to human suffering, a concept further emphasized with the line "And God's indifference." The poem's tone is melancholic, desolate, and resigned. This mood is heightened by the poem's structure, with its regular rhythm and rhyme scheme conveying a sense of inevitable, unchangeable fate. Furthermore, the poem concludes on a bleak note, with the speaker desiring oblivion or, at best, a meaningless existence represented by the growth of weeds. Overall, this poem is a profound and somber meditation on disillusionment, despair, and the seeming indifference of the universe.

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.