The Grave Of Bishop Ken

By William Lisle Bowles

Elegy
         On yonder heap of earth forlorn,     Where Ken his place of burial chose,      Peacefully shine, O Sabbath morn!     And, eve, with gentlest hush, repose.          To him is reared no marble tomb,     Within the dim cathedral fane;      But some faint flowers, of summer bloom,     And silent falls the wintry rain.          No village monumental stone     Records a verse, a date, a name -      What boots it? when thy task is done,     Christian, how vain the sound of fame!          Oh! far more grateful to thy God,     The voices of poor children rise,      Who hasten o'er the dewy sod,     "To pay their morning sacrifice."[207]          And can we listen to their hymn,     Heard, haply, when the evening knell      Sounds, where the village brow is dim,     As if to bid the world farewell!          Without a thought that from the dust     The morn shall wake the sleeping clay,      And bid the faithful and the just     Upspring to heaven's eternal day!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem weaves a narrative of death, remembrance, and transcendence, using a simple yet profound landscape as its canvas. The poem’s tone is solemn but comforting, exploring the theme of mortality while simultaneously promoting a sense of peace and acceptance. The speaker mourns a figure named Ken, whose resting place is a humble mound of earth rather than a grand mausoleum. The absence of a traditional memorial is offset by natural elements - seasonal flowers, the peaceful morning light, and the gentle fall of rain - that serve as organic tributes.

The poem's structure and the use of literary devices work seamlessly together to emphasize its themes. The ABAB rhyme scheme creates a smooth rhythm and a sense of continuity. The lack of a tangible monument is contrasted with the living memorials of children's voices, strengthening the poem's spiritual undertone. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphors, the poem suggests that the most significant markers of a life well-lived are not material possessions or fame, but the love, respect, and memories we leave behind. The final stanza presents a hopeful, religious view of death as a transition rather than an end, reinforcing the poem's overall message of peace and 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.