On -- -- - by John Keats (1818)
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the transient nature of beauty and joy. It addresses a beloved, urging them not to mourn excessively over a fleeting moment or experience. The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of sorrow but encourages a focus on the sweetness of memories rather than the pain of loss. The speaker suggests that tears can be transformed into future joys, indicating a belief in the cyclical nature of emotions. The imagery evokes a sense of tenderness, contrasting the sadness of parting with the beauty of shared moments. The poem emphasizes the importance of cherishing love and the memories it creates, even in the face of inevitable endings. Ultimately, it advocates for a celebration of love, suggesting that even in mourning, one can find solace in the affection shared, turning grief into a form of connection rather than despair. The tone is both melancholic and hopeful, reflecting the complexity of human emotions tied to love and loss.
By John Keats · First published 1818 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 174 words
First lines
Think not of it, sweet one, so; --
Give it not a tear; Sigh thou mayst, and bid it go Any -- any where.
Do not look so sad, sweet one, --
Sad and fadingly; Shed one drop, then it is gone, Oh! 'twas born to die!
What this Textopian page supports
On -- -- - is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Keats, dated 1818 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Keats
- Date: 1818 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 174 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Stanzas by John Keats
- La Mer by Oscar Wilde
- These Tufted Branches Fair by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Stanzas Could Love For Ever by Lord Byron
- What The Thrush Said by John Keats
- To by John Keats
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of beauty, nature, and emotion align with the Romantic movement's focus on individual experience and the sublime.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and mourning, fitting the characteristics of an elegy.
- Nature Poetry — Imagery related to nature and its beauty is prevalent, a common theme in nature poetry.
Tags
Romanticism · Poetry · Nature · Beauty · Sensuality · Imagination · Dreams · Reality · Illusion · Love · Loss · Mortality