In Peace by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem explores the theme of peace and its absence during wartime. It describes a scene where a mother mourns the loss of her son who has died in battle. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the devastating consequences of war, highlighting the contrast between the peaceful domestic scene and the brutal reality of conflict.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1856 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Elegy · 315 words
First lines
A track of moonlight on a quiet lake, Whose small waves on a silver-sanded shore Whisper of peace, and with the low winds make Such harmonies as keep the woods awake, And listening all night long for their sweet sake A green-waved slope of meadow, hovered o'er By angel-troops of lilies, swaying light On viewless stems, with folded wings of white; A slumberous stretch of mountain-land, far seen Where the low westering day, with gold and green, Purple and amber, softly blended, fills The wooded vales, and melts among the hills; A vine-fringed river, winding to its rest On the calm bosom of a stormless sea, Bearing alike upon its placid breast, With earthly flowers and heavenly' stars impressed, The hues of time and of eternity Such are the pictures which the thought of thee, O friend, awakeneth, -- charming the keen pain Of thy departure, and our sense of loss Requiting with the fullness of thy gain.
What this Textopian page supports
In Peace is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1856 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1856 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Elegy, Spiritual Poetry, Romanticism
- Length: 315 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of natural landscapes and serene settings highlights the beauty of nature.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and remembrance, typical of elegiac themes.
- Spiritual Poetry — The themes of peace, redemption, and the afterlife suggest a spiritual dimension.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Peace · War · Patriotism · Nationalism · Romanticism · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language