Sonnet of Burial
The poem reflects on themes of death, loss, and the finality of burial. It begins by acknowledging the physical reality of death, emphasizing the separation of the soul from the body. The imagery evokes a sense of stillness and peace that follows the turmoil of life. The speaker contemplates the permanence of the grave, where the deceased's body is now at rest, free from the struggles and desires that once defined their existence. As the poem progresses, it highlights the transition from life to death, suggesting that the deceased has moved to a place of tranquility, away from the pains of the world. The notion of the grave as a site of admiration contrasts with the sorrow of loss, suggesting that while the body is buried, it is also enveloped in beauty and peace. The final lines reinforce the idea of eternal rest, where the spirit is liberated from suffering. The imagery of "slumber with the blessed" conveys a sense of comfort and serenity, indicating that death is not merely an end but a transformation into a state of peaceful existence. The poem ultimately encapsulates the duality of mourning and acceptance, portraying death as a natural conclusion to life's journey.
By David Park Barnitz · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism · 132 words
First lines
Now that the earth thy buried corpse doth hold, Now that thy soul that hath so much desired, Is gone down to the places of the tired, Far from the dawning and the star-light cold;
Thine eyes shall not again the sun behold;
Now shall thy body that all men hath fired Have ceasing, and thy grave shall be admired, That doth the fairest thing o' the earth enfold.
Now that thine ashes are all buried, And thou art gone to slumber with the blessed, Thy buried body shall be no more distressed;
What this Textopian page supports
Sonnet of Burial is listed on Textopian as a poem by David Park Barnitz, dated 1867 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: David Park Barnitz
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Philosophical, Lyric
- Length: 132 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
- Passer Mortuus Est by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Burial by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Thou Famished Grave by Edna St Vincent Millay
- A Maid Who Died Old by Madison Cawein
- This Dusky Faith by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Him Not The Golden Fang by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a sonnet, showcasing poetic form and language.
- Elegy — The themes revolve around death, mourning, and remembrance, characteristic of elegiac poetry.
- Romanticism — The emotional depth and focus on the soul's journey reflect Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical — The exploration of life, death, and the afterlife indicates philosophical themes.
Tags
Poetry · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Sonnet · Burial · Death · Mortality · Grief · Loss · Family Dynamics · Relationships