Over The May Hill

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Elegy
    All through the night time, and all through the day time,          Dreading the morning and dreading the night,     Nearer and nearer we drift to the May time          Season of beauty and season of blight,     Leaves on the linden, and sun on the meadow,          Green in the garden, and bloom everywhere,     Gloom in my heart, and a terrible shadow,          Walks by me, sits by me, stands by my chair.     Oh, but the birds by the brooklet are cheery,          Oh, but the woods show such delicate greens,     Strange how you droop and how soon you are weary -          Too well I know what that weariness means.     But how could I know in the crisp winter weather          (Though sometimes I noticed a catch in your breath),     Riding and singing and dancing together,          How could I know you were racing with death?     How could I know when we danced until morning,          And you were the gayest of all the gay crowd -     With only that shortness of breath for a warning,          How could I know that you danced for a shroud?     Whirling and whirling through moonlight and starlight.          Rocking as lightly as boats on the wave,     Down in your eyes shone a deep light - a far light,          How could I know 'twas the light to your grave?     Day by day, day by day, nearing and nearing,          Hid under greenness, and beauty and bloom,     Cometh the shape and the shadow I'm fearing,          "Over the May hill" is waiting your tomb.     The season of mirth and of music is over -          I have danced my last dance, I have sung my last song,     Under the violets, under the clover,          My heart and my love will be lying ere long

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem is a profound exploration of loss, grief, and the inexorable march of time. The poet masterfully uses the passage of seasons and the beauty of nature as a backdrop to the melancholic narrative, creating a stark contrast that underscores the profound sense of grief and loss. The poem's tone is both melancholic and reflective, with an undercurrent of deep sorrow.

The structure of the poem, with its repeated references to the passing of days and nights, mirrors the relentless progression of time and the inevitable approach of death. This repetition, coupled with the use of vivid imagery and emotive language, creates a sense of impending doom, imbuing the poem with a sense of tragic inevitability. The recurring motif of dancing is particularly poignant, symbolizing both the joy and vitality of life, and the cruel dance with death.

The use of personification in the depiction of death - the 'terrible shadow' that 'walks by me, sits by me, stands by my chair' - lends a chilling tangibility to the concept of mortality, making it a constant, looming presence throughout the poem. This, juxtaposed with the vibrant descriptions of the natural world, creates a powerful emotional contrast, amplifying the sense of loss. In essence, this poem is a beautiful, heartrending musing on the ephemerality of life and the inevitability of death.

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.