Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MOURN NOT THE DEAD, by ELIZA COOK


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MOURN NOT THE DEAD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Mourn not the dead - shed not a tear
Last Line: And traced upon the sable pall!
Subject(s): Mourning; Bereavement


Mourn not the dead, -- shed not a tear
Above the moss-stained sculptured stone,
And weep for those whose living woes
Still yield the bitter, rending groan.

Grieve not to see the eyelids close
In rest that has not fevered start;
Wish not to break the deep repose
That curtains round the pulseless heart.

But keep thy pity for the eyes
That pray for night, yet fear to sleep,
Lest wilder, sadder visions rise
Than those o'er which they waking weep.

Mourn not the dead, -- 'tis they alone
Who are the peaceful and the free;
The purest olive branch is known
To twine about the cypress tree.

Crime, pride, and passion, hold no more
The willing or the struggling slave;
The throbbing pangs of love are o'er
And hatred dwells not in the grave.

The world may pour its venomed blame,
And fiercely spurn the shroud-wrapped bier;
Some few may call upon the name,
And sigh to meet a dull, cold ear.

But vain the scorn that would offend,
In vain the lips that would beguile;
The coldest foe, the warmest friend,
Are mocked by death's unchanging smile.

The only watchword that can tell
Of peace and freedom won by all,
Is echoed by the tolling bell,
And traced upon the sable pall!





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net