Disclaimer:
I am writing this elegy in reminiscence of our school friend Purnanada, who passed away far too quickly 6 years ago. He was genuinely a kind and loving person, with a heart that overflowed with compassion for others. Many of us may have encountered him in our life as a friend, as a classmate, as a teacher, as a neighbor, as a guide, as an orthodox philosopher, as one with whom you may have spent your weekends or late-night hangouts, above all as a nice human being.
I’m still struggling to come to terms with their loss, but I realized I needed to write this elegy to honor his memory: the day he departed and to express my love and appreciation for everything he brought into everyone’s lives. Since his sudden demise, I have tried to express my grief in words but I couldn’t accomplish it, not more than the first 2 stanzas.
Gradually, time passed and my perseverance in the same almost took 4 years for me to accomplish it after burning my midnight oils. Last year in June 2023 I posted it on my website Englishfry.com. Today once again I am sharing it with everyone. I humbly want all my friends having social media accounts to first read this and encourage everybody to share in his loving memory and celebrate his super persona as an individual.
Let us collectively commemorate the departed through this noble initiative by way of sharing this poem -!
What is an Elegy?
Elegy is a form of poetry that has been used for centuries to express sorrow and mourning for the dead. It is a type of lament that is often written in a somber, reflective tone. Elegies can be written for people, animals, or even abstract concepts like love, freedom, or innocence.
Types and meaning of Elegy:
There are several types of elegies, each with its own unique characteristics and purpose. The most common types of elegies are:
-
- Classical Elegy: This type of elegy has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman literature. It typically features a mournful tone and expresses sorrow for the loss of a loved one. The classical elegy often includes a formal structure with a specific rhyme scheme and meter.
-
- Romantic Elegy: The Romantic era of literature saw a revival of the elegy form, with poets like John Keats, Percy Shelley, and William Wordsworth writing some of the most famous examples. The Romantic elegy often features a more personal and emotional tone, and may focus on themes like nature, love, and memory.
-
- Religious Elegy: Many religious traditions have their own forms of elegy, which are used to mourn the loss of religious figures or to reflect on the meaning of life and death. These elegies often include references to religious themes and symbols.
-
- Modern Elegy: In the modern era, poets have continued to explore the elegy form, often pushing the boundaries of traditional structure and tone. Modern elegies may feature experimental forms, language, and themes, and may incorporate elements of other genres like prose, drama, or even visual art.
Examples of famous elegies:
-
- “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” by Thomas Gray: This classic poem is a meditation on death and the human condition. It reflects on the lives of ordinary people buried in a rural churchyard, and explores the themes of mortality, fame, and the passing of time.
-
- “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: Although not strictly an elegy, this Romantic poem can be read as a meditation on the fragility of life and the power of beauty to transcend death. It features a speaker who longs to escape the pain of human existence and join the eternal beauty of the nightingale’s song.
-
- “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” by Walt Whitman: Written in the aftermath of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, this poem is a complex elegy that combines elements of classical, romantic, and religious elegies. It mourns the loss of Lincoln as a symbol of American democracy, while also reflecting on broader themes of death, nature, and rebirth.
In conclusion, elegy is a powerful and enduring form of poetry that has been used throughout history to express grief, loss, and the human condition. Whether in classical or modern form, elegies continue to inspire and move readers with their profound insights into the nature of life and death.
Let us collectively commemorate the departed through this noble initiative by sharing this poem !
Poem – Remembering Purnananda: An Elegy for a Gentle Soul
Oh, Purnananda, my friend so dear and true,
It’s been three years since fate took you from view,
And though you’re gone, your memory remains,
A presence felt in all our joys and pains.
Your good qualities were many, that’s for sure,
You were friendly, mild, humble, and helpful pure,
You took responsibility with ease,
And worked hard to provide for your family’s needs.
You loved your mother with a passion strong,
And took care of your elder brothers all along,
You were mature beyond your tender years,
And loved to read, a bibliophile, it appears.
Your words were witty, your thoughts profound,
A deep thinker whose insights were renowned,
You shared your knowledge with students young,
And sometimes, even taught without a fee or tongue.
But with all your good qualities, some bad were found,
You were emotional, and trust you placed around,
You spent too much time with friends, it’s true,
And wasted time when other things were due.
You were a lover, yet shy to express,
But your love for your beloved was nonetheless,
And though you enjoyed speed riding’s thrill,
It proved a fatal fate, alas, still.
Oh, Purnananda, your loss we still mourn,
Though life goes on, your memory lingers on,
We miss your smile, your laughter, and your cheer,
And wish that you were still beside us here.
Farewell, my friend, may you rest in peace,
Your soul now free from earthly woes that cease,
May angels guide you to eternal rest,
And hold you close to their loving breast.
Though your time with us was brief, it’s true,
You touched so many lives, me and others too,
And though we miss you dearly, we’ll carry on,
Knowing that your spirit lives forever on….
Let us collectively commemorate the departed through this noble initiative by sharing this poem !
Share & give people a moment to remember our friend.
Founder of Englishfry.com, a captivating and knowledge-driven blog & Founder of Android app/website Studyfunnel.com, an online Mock Test Series Portal. With a wealth of experience spanning over 16+ years, he has excelled as an Ex-Asst.Professor, Teacher, Amazon published author, Website Developer, Graphic Designer,Blogger,Poet, and Creative academic content writer publisher of 4 academic books available Online on Amazon & Flipkart. His tryst in Literature helped him realize his love for writing and telling stories. A tech-savvy language nerd by day and, a passionate writer by night, he now translates his experiences into tales of wisdom served with a side of humor.His widely recognized profound insights ,captivating writing style of weaving words make him contribute to prestigious publications and a sought-after authority in the field that transport readers to extraordinary worlds.
