Plácido's Farewell to his Mother
The poem presents a poignant farewell from a condemned man to his mother on the eve of his execution. The speaker reflects on his tragic fate, expressing a sense of calm acceptance regarding his impending death. He urges his mother not to mourn for him, emphasizing that his death should not evoke sorrow but rather a sense of glory. The speaker conveys a deep emotional connection to his mother, suggesting that his final thoughts are filled with love and tenderness. He likens his farewell to a final note from his lyre, symbolizing the end of his life and artistic expression. The imagery of a "burden-easing sigh" highlights the relief he feels in confronting his fate, while the reference to his birth cry underscores the cyclical nature of life and death. The speaker seeks divine mercy for his sins, indicating a desire for redemption as he embarks on his final journey. The farewell encapsulates themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for peace in the face of mortality.
By James Weldon Johnson · First published 1933 · Genre: Poetry, Tragedy, Literary Fiction · 168 words
First lines
(Written in the Chapel of the Hospital de Santa Cristina on the Night Before His Execution)
If the unfortunate fate engulfing me, The ending of my history of grief, The closing of my span of years so brief, Mother, should wake a single pang in thee, Weep not. No saddening thought to me devote;
I calmly go to a death that is glory-filled, My lyre before it is forever stilled Breathes out to thee its last and dying note.
A note scarce more than a burden-easing sigh, Tender and sacred, innocent, sincere --
What this Textopian page supports
Plácido's Farewell to his Mother is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Weldon Johnson, dated 1933 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Weldon Johnson
- Date: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Drama, Romanticism
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression.
- Tragedy — The themes of impending death and sorrow reflect tragic elements.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores deep emotional and existential themes, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Drama — The intense emotional conflict and personal farewell suggest dramatic elements.
Tags
African American Literature · Coming of Age · Family Drama · Literary Fiction · Mother Son Relationship · Poetic Prose · Racial Identity · Social Commentary · Southern Gothic · Tragic Love Story · Autobiographical Elements · Historical Context