We close her eyes we kiss her forehead then darkness for eternity. An ashen moon drips blood on thirteen white carnations
and
four crippled swallows
pull her chariot
up to a wounded sky.
she rises to the heavens
she is one with the angels
she is one with the stars
Chants and prayers
"earth to earth" “ashes to ashes” "dust to dust"
olive leaves
burning in the censer.
Her grave unsated, gaping, it commands its dues— a body a scattering of earth a glass of oil a slice of bread then we walk away and she is all alone she rises to the heavens she is one with the angels she is one with the stars and
fifteen tear-soaked carnations mourn the fateful day.
Part of the cycle of poems thirteen silk verses
A few words about the poem…
Farewell's Elegy: A Reflection on Transcending Mortality | Cyprus Poems
In the death and grief poem "Requiem," a sombre aura envelops the scene, capturing the poignant act of bidding farewell to a young girl. The poem unfolds with a restrained solemnity, mirroring the gravity of the moment as the departed is laid to rest. With gentle language, the verse transcends the individual experience, inviting readers to contemplate the universal rites of loss and remembrance. Set within the "Thirteen Silk Verses" cycle from the collection “Cyprus Poems,” it weaves Greek Orthodox burial rituals into a quiet journey of departure, imbuing the farewell with a resonance that extends beyond any single culture.
Through the simple yet profound act of closing the young girl's eyes and placing a tender kiss upon her forehead, "Requiem" depicts a deeply intimate scene, evoking an empathy that surpasses cultural and personal boundaries. The departure is observed in an atmosphere of reverence, where each motion serves as both a ritual and a moment of heartfelt connection. Such expressions convey a truth about the finality of death, yet they are softened by the compassionate gestures that accompany the departure.
As the poem unfolds, the imagery transitions to express the symbolic journey from life to death and the soul’s passage to the afterlife. An "ashen moon" sheds an unearthly light over the scene, tinging the moment with an aura that transcends earthly experience. Blood drips onto "thirteen white carnations," marking the girl’s purity, the fragility of life, and the unyielding nature of mortality. "Four crippled swallows" lift her chariot, invoking an ethereal image of a spirit ascending, their broken wings carrying her through a wounded sky, as the realm between earthly and celestial beings converges.
The poem’s refrain, where the girl “is one with the angels, she is one with the stars,” underscores the transcendence of her spirit, suggesting a peace found in the universe’s embrace. These images of celestial unity are reinforced by the rhythm of chants and prayers, echoing phrases of comfort, "earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." The scent of olive leaves burning in the censer adds a sensory layer, deepening the reader’s immersion in the funeral rites and the experience of release.
The closing verses evoke the sobering reality of mortality. The "unsated, gaping" grave demands its offerings—a body, a scattering of earth, a glass of oil, a slice of bread—each a symbolic relinquishment of physical presence. These offerings, universal in their humility, serve as final gestures of farewell, leaving the departed in solitude. The poem’s final image, where "fifteen tear-soaked carnations mourn the fateful day," captures the unspoken grief of those left behind and reflects the quiet acceptance of mortality’s inevitability.
Analysis of the themes in the poem
The poem “Requiem” explores themes of death, separation, and the rituals that mark a soul’s transition from the physical to the spiritual realm. Through the lens of the Greek Orthodox burial customs, it touches on the profound grief that follows loss and the solace found in sacred rites. These practices offer a semblance of closure to the bereaved, framing the departure in symbolic acts that reflect a belief in a transcendent peace beyond life.
Analysis of the verse
The verse structure in "Requiem" is simple, yet each line is carefully measured to convey solemnity and reverence. The restrained rhythm mirrors the respectful silence often found at funerals, with pauses and breaks that allow for reflection. The repetition of phrases such as “she is one with the angels, she is one with the stars” reinforces the cyclical nature of life and death, resonating with the reader as a comforting lullaby of transcendence.
Analysis of the symbolism
Symbolism abounds in "Requiem." The "ashen moon" and "crippled swallows" suggest a world caught between two realms, evoking the pain and beauty of passage. The “thirteen white carnations” represent purity and innocence, while the number itself, often associated with mysticism, may symbolize transition or initiation into a higher state. The swallows, traditionally symbols of hope and renewal, here appear "crippled," hinting at the impact of loss on those left behind. The repeated ritual elements—earth, oil, bread—are steeped in tradition, representing humility and submission to the natural cycle of life.
Main poetic imagery
The poem’s imagery is vivid and haunting, evoking a scene of ritual and reverence. The "ashen moon" casts an eerie glow, while the blood on white carnations visualizes the fragility and purity of the young soul. The "crippled swallows" lifting her to the heavens create a striking image of a spirit departing from earthly limitations. Through such imagery, the poem achieves a visual and emotional depth that places the reader amid the ceremonial farewell, mingling grief with glimpses of serenity.
Religious symbolism impact
Religious symbolism is integral to "Requiem," as it is to the whole collection of “Cyprus Poems,” with Greek Orthodox customs forming the foundation of the farewell rites. The burning olive leaves, the sacred phrases “earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” and the offerings to the grave each have profound significance within the faith, symbolising respect for the body’s return to nature and the soul’s ascension. This deeply reverent portrayal of the funeral rites highlights the importance of ritual in navigating grief and accepting loss, offering both the poet and the reader a profound encounter with the spiritual significance of the human journey.
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