# Whither? explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the relentless passage of time and the silence of the dead, as the speaker questions where life is heading and mourns the lack of communication from beyond the grave.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Passing of Time and Mortality

Minutes throb and pass, shadows cross the dial, and footsteps die away, emphasizing the relentless march of time and the finality of death.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker observes time passing and laments the absence of tidings from the dead.

## Key lines

> Minutes swiftly throb and pass, Shadows cross the dial-glass, Speeding ever to some call, Weary world and shadows, all.

Time moves quickly and relentlessly, marked by the clock's shadows, as everything—the tired world and its shadows—hurries toward an unknown summons.

_The speaker reflects on the swift passage of time and the universal pull toward an unseen destination._

> But no tidings thread the gloom, From the hushed and silent tomb.

Yet no message comes through the darkness from the quiet, silent grave.

_The speaker expresses a longing for communication from the dead, but is met only with silence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/whither
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters