To Cinna

By Eugene Field

Elegy
    Cinna, the great Venusian told     In songs that will not die     How in Augustan days of old     Your love did glorify     His life and all his being seemed     Thrilled by that rare incense     Till, grudging him the dreams he dreamed,     The gods did call you hence.     Cinna, I've looked into your eyes,     And held your hands in mine,     And seen your cheeks in sweet surprise     Blush red as Massic wine;     Now let the songs in Cinna's praise     Be chanted once again,     For, oh! alone I walk the ways     We walked together then!     Perhaps upon some star to-night,     So far away in space     I cannot see that beacon light     Nor feel its soothing grace--     Perhaps from that far-distant sphere     Her quickened vision seeks     For this poor heart of mine that here     To its lost Cinna speaks.     Then search this heart, beloved eyes,     And find it still as true     As when in all my boyhood skies     My guiding stars were you!     Cinna, you know the mystery     That is denied to men--     Mine is the lot to feel that we     Shall elsewhere love again!

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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 elegy that combines elements of love, nostalgia, and longing with an undercurrent of mythological allusions. It is written in a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB) and uniform stanzas, lending it a rhythmic quality that reinforces the contemplative tone.

The poem is a tribute to Cinna, a figure from classical mythology, who is presented as a beloved figure now absent from the speaker's life. The speaker's love for Cinna is depicted as a source of inspiration and transformation - a theme signified in lines such as "Your love did glorify / His life and all his being". This suggests a love that transcends the physical and permeates the metaphysical realm, influencing the speaker's existence in a profound way.

The sense of longing is palpable throughout, with the speaker expressing a desire for a spiritual reunion in the afterlife. The celestial imagery, such as the "star to-night" and "beacon light", serves as a metaphor for Cinna, who is positioned as a guiding force even in absence. The romantic nostalgia, alongside the speaker’s hope for a future reunion, infuses the poem with a sense of melancholic optimism.

Overall, the poem is a blend of personal emotion and classical mythology, creating a timeless tale of love, loss, and longing. It explores the transformative power of love and the enduring nature of emotional bonds, even when separated by death. The strong imagery, consistent structure, and lyrical tone all contribute to its emotional impact.

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.