Requiem by Edith Nesbit (1892)
The poem is a lament for a deceased loved one, reflecting on the complex emotions and memories left behind. The speaker acknowledges the pain and grief caused by the person's presence, but also recognizes the fleeting moments of joy they shared. Despite the mixed feelings, the speaker accepts that the loved one is at peace, and their own grief has subsided with time. However, a sense of resentment lingers, as the speaker feels they gave more to the relationship than the other person did. Ultimately, the poem concludes by emphasizing the finality of death, where the only thing left is the grave, and the world that was once shared is now lost.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1892 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Tragedy · 292 words
First lines
Now veiled in the inviolable past Love lies asleep, who never more will wake; Nor would you wake him, even for my sake Who for your sake pray he sleep sound at last.
What good thing had we of him -- we who bore So long his yoke? what pleasant thing had we That we should weep his deathlong sleep to see, Or call on Life to waken him once more?
A little joy he gave, and much of pain, A little pleasure, and enduring grief, One flower of joy, and pain piled sheaf on sheaf, Harvests of loss, for every bud of gain.
Yet where he lies in this deserted place Divided by his narrow grave we sit, Welded together by the depths of it, Watching the years pass, with averted face.
What this Textopian page supports
Requiem is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Tragedy
- Length: 292 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
- A Dirge In Gray by Edith Nesbit
- Bridal Ballad by Edith Nesbit
- Megs Curse by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Dirge by Edith Nesbit
- In Absence by Edith Nesbit
- Haunted by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, with a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, typical of poetry.
- Romantic — The work explores themes of love, loss, and grief, which are common in romantic literature.
- Tragedy — The work deals with the tragic aspects of life, such as death and sorrow.
Tags
Gothic Fiction · Mystery · Supernatural · Fantasy · Horror · Victorian Era · British Literature · Classic Novel · Ghost Story · Haunted House · Family Drama · Tragedy