Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Irving Feldman's poem "Elegy for a Suicide," the poet confronts the unanswerable questions, raw emotions, and lingering echoes left behind by a life tragically cut short. The poem is a tapestry of loss and despair woven with moments of fleeting innocence, ultimately highlighting the poignant struggle between existence and oblivion.

The poem opens with a jarring juxtaposition. "The field" with its "tidy, childish sentences" of playful flowers stands in stark contrast to the "unjustifiable" silence left by the individual's suicide. This initial contrast sets the tone for the poem, navigating between the lighthearted simplicity of life and the heavy burden of death.

The second stanza shifts to the imagery of "feeding the children." This seemingly ordinary act takes on a deeper meaning. It becomes a ritualistic act of "overcoming chaos," finding solace in the "commonest form of prayer" and naming the "bread-word in the bread." The poem draws a parallel between the blessing of food and the blessing of life itself, offering a poignant reminder of the inherent value found in sustenance and connection.

However, this fragile balance is shattered with the introduction of the "tyrants" – girls who symbolize the darkness that can seep into life. Unrelenting in their demands and rejecting nourishment, they represent the destructive potential of a world unable to cope with the burdens of existence. This imagery foreshadows the tragedy at hand – a deliberate choice against life.

The poem delves further into the isolation and despair surrounding the deceased. The individual is described as a hidden presence, a "ghost already" consumed by darkness and sadness. Uninterested in the games and childish innocence of life, they seek refuge in an internal void. Their "breath so bitter" signifies the profound suffering that went unnoticed until it culminated in the ultimate rejection of life.

In the following section, the focus shifts to the remaining children – symbols of hope and innocence confronting the incomprehensible reality of the suicide. Their playful games and pleas for attention echo unanswered against the backdrop of the missing figure. It is in these poignant moments that the sheer magnitude of the loss becomes tragically evident. The world continues its playful obliviousness while the absence of one casts a shadow over everyone's lives.

Despite the overwhelming despair, a flicker of hope emerges as the sparrow lands on a plate, consuming and dividing a single crumb. This small moment becomes a poignant metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the potential for fulfillment even within the bleakest of circumstances. The sparrow embodies both survival and sacrifice, reminding the reader that even when confronting darkness, a possibility for meaning exists.

In the closing moments of the poem, the image of the children and the sparrow coalesce to offer a powerful and poignant statement. "Accursed, all parents cry, / That all they have done is useless," highlighting the lingering sense of guilt and regret that those left behind must grapple with. Yet, despite these burdens, the children remain innocent, "sacred for your sake." Their presence offers a glimmer of hope for healing and the continuation of life despite the tragic loss.

Ultimately, "Elegy for a Suicide" transcends the specifics of the event to explore the larger human struggle between despair and resilience. Feldman masterfully utilizes powerful imagery and poignant metaphors to delve into the complex emotions of loss and the lasting impact that suicide leaves on all it touches. While the poem offers no easy answers, it compels readers to confront the profound significance of life, the darkness that can accompany it, and the resilience found in both. It is a poem that leaves its reader grappling with its poignant questions long after the last line is read.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...