My Soul and I
The poem explores the speaker's introspection on mortality and the afterlife, questioning whether their soul will be reunited with loved ones who have passed away. It expresses a desire for reunion and a sense of longing for what lies beyond death. The tone is contemplative and melancholic, reflecting on the impermanence of life and the uncertainty of what comes next.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1834 · Genre: Spiritual Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Religious Poetry · 1,249 words
First lines
Stand still, my soul, in the silent dark I would question thee, Alone in the shadow drear and stark With God and me!
What, my soul, was thy errand here? Was it mirth or ease, Or heaping up dust from year to year? "Nay, none of these!"
What this Textopian page supports
My Soul and I is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1834 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: 1834 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Spiritual Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Meditative Poetry
- Length: 1,249 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for My Soul and I by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering My Soul and I?
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Genres
- Spiritual Poetry — The work explores deep spiritual themes, questioning the soul's purpose and relationship with God.
- Philosophical Poetry — It delves into existential questions about life, death, and the nature of existence.
- Religious Poetry — The text reflects on faith, divine will, and the human condition in relation to God.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional tone conveys the speaker's introspection and feelings.
Tags
Poetry · Autobiographical · American Literature · 19th Century · Free Verse · Nature Poetry · Spirituality · Self-Discovery · Meditative · Philosophical · Existential · Personal Narrative