When I am Dead
The poem explores themes of death, legacy, and the desire for a peaceful resting place. The speaker expresses a wish for simplicity in death, requesting that no extravagant tributes or displays be made in their honor. Instead, they prefer to be remembered in a natural, serene setting, specifically beneath the willows, which symbolize tranquility and solace. The speaker reflects on their longing for beauty and light during life, yet they find the idea of such adornments at their funeral distressing. This juxtaposition highlights a tension between the desire for recognition and the wish for a humble farewell. The overall tone conveys a deep introspection about mortality and the nature of remembrance, emphasizing a preference for quiet dignity over ostentation. The imagery of nature serves to reinforce the speaker's connection to the earth and their desire for a return to simplicity in death.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Existential · 66 words
First lines
When I am dead, withhold, I pray, your blooming legacy; Beneath the willows did I bide, and they should cover me; I longed for light and fragrance, and I sought them far and near, O, it would grieve me utterly, to find them on my bier!
What this Textopian page supports
When I am Dead is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Existential, Romanticism, Reflection
- Length: 66 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of death and legacy through lyrical expression.
- Lyrical — The writing style is characterized by emotional and musical qualities, typical of lyrical poetry.
- Existential — The themes reflect on existence, mortality, and the desire for meaning beyond death.
- Romanticism — The poem embodies elements of Romanticism, focusing on individual emotion and nature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · African American Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Nature Imagery · Death · Mortality · Afterlife · Spirituality