To Emma Abbott

By Eugene Field

Elegy
    There--let thy hands be folded     Awhile in sleep's repose;     The patient hands that wearied not,     But earnestly and nobly wrought     In charity and faith;     And let thy dear eyes close--     The eyes that looked alway to God,     Nor quailed beneath the chastening rod     Of sorrow;     Fold thou thy hands and eyes     For just a little while,     And with a smile     Dream of the morrow.     And, O white voiceless flower,     The dream which thou shalt dream     Should be a glimpse of heavenly things,     For yonder like a seraph sings     The sweetness of a life     With faith alway its theme;     While speedeth from those realms above     The messenger of that dear love     That healeth sorrow.     So sleep a little while,     For thou shalt wake and sing     Before thy King     When cometh the morrow.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a tender, poignant exploration of themes such as faith, resilience, and the promise of heavenly respite. The speaker addresses an individual who has apparently lived a life of selfless service and devotion, urging them to rest and dream of a better, divine tomorrow. The tone is deeply reverential and soothing, offering solace to the weary and consolation in the face of sorrow.

The poem's structure is a combination of regular and irregular rhyming stanzas, effectively weaving a sense of rhythm that mirrors the ebb and flow of life's trials and triumphs. The poet employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the emotive resonance of the piece. Metaphor is used effectively, as in the reference to the addressed individual as a "white voiceless flower," implying their purity, beauty, and silent endurance. The repetition of phrases like "a little while" and "the morrow" also create a hypnotic, lullaby-like quality, underscoring the themes of rest and hope for a brighter future. Through its evocative language and compassionate voice, the poem serves as a moving tribute to the human spirit, its capacity for benevolence, and the spiritual solace that awaits beyond life's tribulations.

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.