The Little White Hearse

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Somebody's baby was buried to-day - The empty white hearse from the grave rumbled back, And the morning somehow seemed less smiling and gay As I paused on the walk while it crossed on its way, And a shadow seemed drawn o'er the sun's golden tract. Somebody's baby was laid out to rest, White as a snowdrop, and fair to behold, And the soft little hands were crossed over the breast, And those hands and the lips and the eyelids were pressed With kisses as hot as the eyelids were cold. Somebody saw it go out of her sight, Under the coffin lid -out through the door; Somebody finds only darkness and blight All through the glory of summer-sun light; Somebody's baby will waken no more. Somebody's sorrow is making me weep: I know not her name, hut I echo her cry, For the dearly bought baby she longed so to keep, The baby that rode to its long-lasting sleep In the little white hearse that went rumbling by. I know not her name, but her sorrow I know; While I paused on the crossing I lived it once more, And back to my heart surged that river of woe That but in the breast of a mother can flow; For the little white hearse has been, too, at MY door.

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Poem Details

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:

This anonymous poem delves into the universal theme of grief, specifically the profound sorrow that accompanies the loss of a child. The central symbol, the 'little white hearse,' is a poignant and haunting image that drives the message home. The repetition of this symbol throughout the poem serves to underscore the relentless, inescapable nature of such grief.

The poet employs a mournful tone which is consistent throughout the poem, creating a somber atmosphere that mirrors the sorrowful subject matter. This is maintained through the use of rich, evocative language and vivid imagery such as 'the soft little hands were crossed over the breast,' and 'kisses as hot as the eyelids were cold.' Such descriptions serve to humanize the child and intensify the sense of loss.

The structure of the poem, with its alternating long and short lines, provides a rhythmic consistency that mimics the inevitable passage of time, a reminder of the persisting pain that accompanies such a tragedy. The poet's choice to remain anonymous allows the reader to interpret the poem as a collective experience, reinforcing the notion that such grief is shared, regardless of personal identity.

In terms of literary devices, the poet notably employs personification in phrases such as 'the morning somehow seemed less smiling and gay,' and 'a shadow seemed drawn o'er the sun's golden tract.' This not only imbues the environment with emotion, but it also serves to reflect the poet's internal state, suggesting that the world itself mourns in the face of such loss. This is a poignant reminder that grief can profoundly alter one's perception of their surroundings.

Overall, the poem is a deeply affecting exploration of grief, loss, and sorrow, expressing the universal experience of mourning and the profound impact of the death of a child. The anonymous poet's masterful use of symbol, tone, structure, and imagery come together to create a poignant and resonant work that speaks to the heart of human suffering.