by Whitman · Cluster: Mortality · Grave · Memento Mori
Abstract
A short free-verse address questioning the coming year as a dim spectre bringing life or death; themes of mortality, old age and time.
Connections
Motifs: Death, Supernatural Themes & Concepts: Mortality, Memory and Time Forms & Genres: Lyric
Testo integrale / Full text
Cluster: SANDS AT SEVENTY
Approaching, nearing, curious,
Thou dim, uncertain spectre—bringest thou life or death?
Strength, weakness, blindness, more paralysis and heavier?
Or placid skies and sun? Wilt stir the waters yet?
Or haply cut me short for good? Or leave me here as now,
Dull, parrot-like and old, with crack’d voice harping, screeching?