Requiem

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

I

    No more for him, where hills look down,
    Shall Morning crown
    Her rainy brow with blossom bands! - 
    The Morning Hours, whose rosy hands
    Drop wildflowers of the breaking skies
    Upon the sod 'neath which he lies. - 
    No more for him! No more! No more!

II

    No more for him, where waters sleep,
    Shall Evening heap
    The long gold of the perfect days!
    The Eventide, whose warm hand lays
    Great poppies of the afterglow
    Upon the turf he rests below. - 
    No more for him! No more! no more!

Ill

    No more for him, where woodlands loom,
    Shall Midnight bloom
    The star-flowered acres of the blue!
    The Midnight Hours, whose dim hands strew
    Dead leaves of darkness, hushed and deep,
    Upon the grave where he doth sleep. - 
    No more for him! No more! No more!

IV

    The hills, that Morning's footsteps wake:
    The waves that take
    A brightness from the Eve; the woods
    And solitudes, o'er which Night broods,
    Their Spirits have, whose parts are one
    With him, whose mortal part is done.
    Whose part is done.
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Type of Poem: Elegy

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This heartfelt poem is an evocative exploration of the themes of death, loss, and the continuation of natural cycles despite human mortality. The author employs vivid imagery and the repetition of "no more for him" to emphasize the finality of the subject's death. The poem is structured into four distinct stanzas, each representing a different time of day and its corresponding elements in nature, further highlighting the ongoing progression of time even in the face of personal tragedy.

The tone is decidedly mournful, imbued with a sense of longing and lamentation. The use of personification is particularly striking, with Morning, Evening, and Midnight being given agency and tasks. They are depicted as conscious entities that bestow their gifts, be it "wildflowers of the breaking skies," "poppies of the afterglow," or "dead leaves of darkness," upon the resting place of the deceased. This serves to create a poignant link between the human experience and the natural world, implying a form of unity even in death. The final stanza concludes the poem with a melancholic acceptance of the subject's mortality and his merge with the natural world - a beautiful and bittersweet resolution. The poem, therefore, stands as a stark reminder of our own mortality and the enduring beauty of nature, making it a memorable read.

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.