Ballad by Olive Tilford Dargan
The work explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring nature of memory. The speaker addresses a beloved, contemplating their eventual death and the impact it will have on the beloved's life. The speaker expresses a desire for the beloved to move on and find joy after their passing, emphasizing that love transcends physical existence. The speaker encourages the beloved to embrace life, suggesting that grief should not overshadow the beauty of new experiences and relationships. They reflect on shared moments, the power of love, and the importance of remembering the essence of their connection rather than fixating on the speaker's absence. Imagery of nature, seasons, and renewal permeates the work, symbolizing the cycle of life and the inevitability of change. The speaker wishes to be remembered not for their physical form but for the love they shared, asserting that true love lives on in the hearts of those who have loved. Ultimately, the work conveys a poignant message about the resilience of love and the importance of cherishing memories while allowing oneself to grow and love anew. The speaker's hope is that their spirit will continue to inspire and resonate in the beloved's life, reinforcing the idea that love is a lasting force that transcends time and mortality.
By Olive Tilford Dargan · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 987 words
First lines
When I with Death have gone on quest, And grief is mellowed in your breast; When you do nothing fret If jest come gently in with tea, And Purr is stroked for want of me; When thought robust bestirs your mind, And with a candid start you find The world must move To living love And you forthright on travel set;
I do not ask you strive to keep Awake the woe that winks for sleep, Or swell the lessening tear; I do not ask; dear to me still May be the eyes regret would fill; And, sooth, in vain I'd Nature sue To go a little out for you; But whether 'tis Or that or this Is from the matter there and here.
What this Textopian page supports
Ballad is listed on Textopian as a short story by Olive Tilford Dargan, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Olive Tilford Dargan
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy, Lyric, Nature Writing
- Length: 987 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing meter, rhyme, and lyrical language.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and remembrance, characteristic of elegiac poetry.
- Lyric — The personal expression of feelings and thoughts indicates a lyrical style.
Tags
Poetry · Folklore · Balladry · American Literature · 19th Century · Rural Life · Social Commentary · Labor Movement · Working Class · Poetic Form · Narrative Poetry · Free Verse