Death

by Julia Carter Aldrich — a poem card from Justes Mots

Death is characterized as a merciful guest to the elderly and bereaved, offering longed-for rest and reunion; yet to the young surrounded by love and vigor, Death's summons is cruel theft of joy. The poem wrestles with the theodicy problem—why does Death claim the loveliest, dearest lives and love itself?—leaving the question unanswered amid grief's cloud. It suits those grieving the loss of young or beloved lives.

When thou, O Death, art come to be the old man’s guest
Who, bowed beneath the heavy weight of toil and years,
So longeth for thy rest,
Or to the weary mother, looking through her tears,
To the bright celestial shore
Where her loved have gone before,
Then, truly, thou art blest.
…

Themes: sympathy · grief · reflection