Rondel by George MacDonald (1857)
"Rondel" by George MacDonald is a poem about the fleeting nature of life and love. The speaker reflects on how quickly time passes, and how even the most beautiful moments can fade away. He urges his listeners to seize the day and make the most of their lives while they still have them.
By George MacDonald · First published 1857 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Symbolism · 166 words
First lines
I follow, tottering, in the funeral train That bears my body to the welcoming grave. As those I mourn not, that entomb the brave, But smile as those that lay aside the vain;
To me it is a thing of poor disdain, A clod I would not give a sigh to save! I follow, careless, in the funeral train, My outworn raiment to the cleansing grave.
I follow to the grave with growing pain -- Then sudden cry: Let Earth take what she gave! And turn in gladness from the yawning cave -- Glad even for those whose tears yet flow amain: They also follow, in their funeral train, Outworn necessities to the welcoming grave!
What this Textopian page supports
Rondel is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1857 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1857 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Symbolism, Elegy
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential and philosophical reflections on life and death.
- Symbolism — The use of symbolic language and imagery conveys deeper meanings about mortality and the human condition.
- Elegy — The tone and subject matter reflect mourning and contemplation of death, characteristic of an elegy.
Tags
fantasy · poetry · romance · mythology · allegory · spirituality · nature · imagination · love · dreams · adventure · medieval