Death and the Afterlife

Where it surfaces

• Shipwreck

  The shipwreck is a metaphor for death and the fate of souls that are lost to sin, never returning to heaven.

• Bells of St. Michael

  The bells toll for the dead buried in the churchyard, who rest with their sorrows over.

• The Exile's Reverie

  The waves speak of nearing life's end and a 'better home' where changes never come, framing death as a transition to an eternal rest.

• The Crucifixion

  The poem contrasts Christ's death with the awakening of the dead from their slumber, asserting that death no longer has dominion.

• Uranne

  Death is personified as the Reaper, and the narrative dwells on graves, the afterlife, and the hope of reunion beyond the grave.

• Magnolia

  The poem meditates on death's inevitability and the hope of an afterlife, as seen in the infant's ascent and the final call to 'come up and meet me in the air.'

• The Dying Girl

  The dying girl speaks of joining a spirit band and resting from woe in a happy home above, reflecting a Christian view of the afterlife.

• On Parting with a Friend

  The poem looks forward to a heavenly reunion where partings are impossible.

• Lines to Florence

  Florence is described as dwelling in 'realms supernal' and 'fields Elysian,' with the mother trusting to greet her again.

• Passing of the Old Year

  The Old Year is personified as dying, and the poem promises reunion 'beyond the river' where the departed live forever.

• A Reverie

  Various graves and resting places are described, emphasizing death's presence.

• The Grafted Bud

  The poem centers on the child's death and her spirit's journey to heaven, where she awaits the resurrection.

• To a Loved One

  The speaker vows to think of the loved one even in death, and the beloved is imagined speaking from beyond.

• Rev. Samuel Weston

  The chapter describes death as a passage through gates to heavenly portals, with the deceased welcomed by ransomed myriads.

• To Rev. Thaddeus Saltus

  The poem centers on the Reverend's death and his joyful entry into heaven, described as a 'Better Land of ever blooming bowers.'

• Mrs. Louise B. Weston

  The poem centers on the mother's death and her safe arrival in heaven, with a plea for eventual reunion.

• Lines to Mrs. Isabel Peace

  The poem portrays death as a transition to heaven where friendship ripens and continues, suggesting a comforting view of the afterlife.

• In Memoriam

  The poem anticipates a reunion beyond death, referencing the 'Gates of Gold' and the child being 'in the angels' bosom.'

• Mr. Edward Fordham

  The chapter centers on death as a transition from earthly grief to heavenly peace, with imagery of anchoring in the port above and awaiting the resurrection call.

• Death of a Grandparent

  The poem describes death as a passage to eternal life in Canaan, the Golden City, and fields Elysian.

• Queenie

  The poem centers on the death of an infant and the hope of a peaceful afterlife free from suffering.

• In Memoriam

  The poem centers on the child's death as a gentle transition to eternal rest with the Lord.

• Mrs. Rebecca Weston

  The chapter frames death as a sleep from which the beloved will awake, emphasizing resurrection and victory over the grave.

• Mrs. E. Cohrs Brown

  The poem expresses hope of meeting again on the other shore, where partings are no more.

• Mrs. Mary Furman Weston Byrd

  Describes her death as a sweet passage from earth to glory, with imagery of a heavenly palace and renewed youth.