A Farewell by George William Russell
A Farewell is a poem written by George William Russell that reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker bids farewell to his loved ones, acknowledging that he will soon be gone from this world. He expresses gratitude for the beauty and wonder of nature, which has brought him joy throughout his life. Despite the sadness of parting, the speaker finds solace in the knowledge that all things must come to an end, and that death is simply a natural part of the cycle of life.
By George William Russell · First published 1932 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age · 235 words
First lines
I go down from the hills half in gladness, and half with a pain I depart, Where the Mother with gentlest breathing made music on lip and in heart; For I know that my childhood is over: a call comes out of the vast, And the love that I had in the old time like beauty in twilight is past.
I am fired by a Danaan whisper of battles afar in the world, And my thought is no longer of peace, for the banners in dream are unfurled, And I pass from the council of stars and of hills to a life that is new: And I bid to you stars and you mountains a tremulous long adieu.
What this Textopian page supports
A Farewell is listed on Textopian as a poem by George William Russell, dated 1932 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George William Russell
- Date: 1932 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Mythology
- Length: 235 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Parting by George William Russell
- Elegy by D. H. Lawrence
- In Memoriam P D by G. K. Chesterton
- Upon A Dying Lady by W. B. Yeats
- Second April Elegy by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Erinna by Sara Teasdale
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — References to mythical elements such as Danaan whispers and gods suggest a fantasy genre.
- Coming-of-Age — The theme of transitioning from childhood to adulthood is central to the narrative.
- Adventure — The protagonist's desire for battles and conquest indicates an adventurous theme.
Tags
loss · grief · farewell · nostalgia · memory · love · separation · reflection · identity · nature · spirituality · transience