Constancy by David Park Barnitz
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of death. The speaker addresses a beloved who lies in a state of death, reflecting on their once vibrant beauty now diminished. The speaker acknowledges the pallor of the beloved's face and the stillness that accompanies death, contrasting it with memories of passionate kisses and vibrant life. Despite the overwhelming presence of death, the speaker expresses unwavering devotion, refusing to abandon the beloved even in their silent state. The imagery evokes a sense of mourning, with references to the coldness of the beloved's body and the decay that accompanies death. The speaker grapples with the reality of loss, yet finds solace in the enduring beauty of the beloved, asserting that death does not diminish their worth. The poem culminates in a declaration of admiration, suggesting that the beloved's beauty transcends mortality, elevating them to a celestial status. Overall, the work captures the tension between love and loss, illustrating how deep affection persists even in the face of death, and how beauty remains eternal in memory.
By David Park Barnitz · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet · 139 words
First lines
Surely thy face, love, is a little pale, And somewhat wan thy lips that were so red, And though my kisses might raise up the dead, To waken thy deep sleep they naught avail.
Before thy stillness some poor men might quail, But I shall not desert thy holy bed, Although thy passionate lips have no word said, And thine adored breasts are cold like hail.
Thou art gone down to Death, thou art gone down, And the dead things shall nestle in thy hair, And the dust shall profane thy golden crown, And the worms shall consume thy perfect face;
Even so: but Death shall bring thee no disgrace, And to the stars I cry, Thou art most fair!
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Constancy is listed on Textopian as a poem by David Park Barnitz, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: David Park Barnitz
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet, Elegy, Lyric
- Length: 139 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love and death.
- Romanticism — The themes of passionate love and the contemplation of mortality align with Romantic ideals.
- Sonnet — The format and style suggest it is a sonnet, characterized by its specific structure and thematic focus.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and mourning, typical of elegiac poetry.
Tags
Literary Fiction · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Inner Turmoil · Mental Health · Isolation · Loneliness · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Morality