I was very moved by Aphra Behn's "Epitaph on the Tombstone of a Child". I just found the language of the poem so human and emotionally bare. It reminded me of a time a few years ago when I visited a cemetery in St. John's, Newfoundland. In one corner of the cemetery was a section of child graves, and it was all I could do to not start crying. It was one of the saddest, most empty feelings I've ever experienced.
I was especially moved by the final line of the poem: "spread their gay wings before the Throne, and smile". This line seemed to convey the persistance of childhood wonder, in spite of death.
I was especially moved by the final line of the poem: "spread their gay wings before the Throne, and smile". This line seemed to convey the persistance of childhood wonder, in spite of death.
posted by Gary F at 10:52 AM
3 Comments:
This poem really hit me as well. It is such a beautiful tribute to the sounds of childhood; "the softest pratler," with a musical voice and "his Words a Song." As you noted, the last line gives hope and comfort that the child will be happy in heaven.
Anyone who has experienced the anguish of having known a young life that was cut short unexpectedly would appreciate the healing power of this poem. One has to believe that there is something more, some way of reconciling the terrible pain the untimely death brings. How wonderful to have the words stated so beautifully that one can cling to them as a hope for the future.
It is sobering to discover just how many of these poems to dead children there are. And I have not a doubt that many more have not come down to us.
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