The Closed Door

By Madison Julius Cawein

Elegy
    Shut it out of the heart this grief,     O Love, with the years grown old and hoary!     And let in joy that life is brief,     And give God thanks for the end of the story.     The bond of the flesh is transitory,     And beauty goes with the lapse of years     The brow's white rose and the hair's dark glory     God be thanked for the severing shears!     Over the past, Heart, waste no tears!     Over the past and all its madness,     Its wine and wormwood, hopes and fears,     That never were worth a moment's sadness.     Here she lies who was part o' its gladness,     Wife and mistress, and shared its woe,     The good of life as well as its badness,     Look on her face and see if you know.     Is this the face? yea, ask it slow!     The hair, the form, that we used to cherish?     Where is the glory of long-ago?     The beauty we said would never perish.     Like a dream we dream, or a thought we nourish,     Nothing of earth immortal is:     This is the end however we flourish     All that is fair must come to this.

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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 poignant meditation on grief, mortality, and the fleeting nature of beauty. The speaker implores the reader (addressed as "Love") to accept the inevitability of aging and death, and to find solace and even gratitude in the transience of life. The tone is both somber and consolatory, offering a profound perspective on life's inevitable progression and the ephemeral nature of earthly beauty.

The poet uses a variety of literary devices to evoke emotion and convey their message. The use of repetition and anaphora ("Over the past, Heart," "Is this the face? yea, ask it slow!") emphasizes the theme of reflection and remembrance. The imagery of "the brow's white rose and the hair's dark glory" vividly illustrates the fading of youth and beauty, while the metaphor of "the severing shears" evokes the finality of death. The poem's structure, composed of quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme, provides a rhythmic quality that further underscores its contemplative tone.

The poem ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life and beauty, inviting the reader to accept this truth, and find joy and gratitude amidst the sorrow. It suggests that our grief and our longing for the past are futile, and that we should instead cherish the fleeting moments of joy and beauty that life offers. The poem is a testament to the human condition, encapsulating the inevitability of loss, the transience of beauty, and the potential for solace in acceptance.

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.