Written On The Blank Leaf Of A Copy Of My Poems, Presented To An Old Sweetheart, Then Married.

By Robert Burns

Elegy
        Once fondly lov'd and still remember'd dear;             Sweet early object of my youthful vows!         Accept this mark of friendship, warm, sincere,             Friendship! 'tis all cold duty now allows.         And when you read the simple artless rhymes,             One friendly sigh for him, he asks no more,         Who distant burns in flaming torrid climes,             Or haply lies beneath th' Atlantic roar.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully encapsulates themes of love, loss, longing, and the transformation of relationships over time. The poet starts by reminiscing about a past love, signifying the importance of memory and the indelible impact of early emotional bonds. The tone here is laced with a melancholy nostalgia, as the speaker mourns the transition of a once passionate love into a more restrained, dutiful friendship.

The structure of the poem, composed of two stanzas, aids in drawing a clear distinction between the past and the present, the 'then' and the 'now'. The first stanza focuses on the memory of a past love and the declaration of a present friendship. The second stanza revolves around the speaker's request for remembrance, even if it's just a singular sigh, and the mention of his current, distant location.

The poem utilizes several effective literary devices. Alliteration in phrases like “fondly lov’d” and “warm, sincere” adds a rhythmic quality to the verse. The use of metaphor in “burns in flaming torrid climes” and “lies beneath th' Atlantic roar” powerfully conveys the speaker's emotional state and physical distance, respectively. This poem, thus, leaves the reader with a sense of the universal human experience of longing for lost love and the transformative power of time on relationships.

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.