For E. Mcc
For E. Mcc - form Summary
Refrain Frames Elegiac Return
This poem is cast as a villanelle: its recurring refrains and tight rhyme create a ritual rhythm that repeatedly returns to the image of Death as a "grey fencer." The repetitive lines build a communal elegy, turning loss into a ceremonial remembrance of Edward McCurdy. The concluding envoi shifts the refrain into consolation—shielded memory—so the poem both mourns the death and secures the friend’s legacy through repeated address.
Read Complete AnalysesGone while your tastes were keen to you, Gone where the grey winds call to you, By that high fencer, even Death, Struck of the blade that no man parrieth; Such is your fence, one saith, One that hath known you. Drew you your sword most gallantly Made you your pass most valiantly 'Gainst that grey fencer, even Death. Gone as a gust of breath Faith! no man tarrieth, ‘Se il cor ti manca,’ but it failed thee not! 'Non ti fidar,’ it is the sword that speaks ‘In me.’ Thou trusted'st in thyself and met the blade 'Thout mask or gauntlet, and art laid As memorable broken blades that be Kept as bold trophies of old pageantry. As old Toledos past their days of war Are kept mnemonic of the strokes they bore, So art thou with us, being good to keep In our heart's sword-rack, though thy sword-arm sleep. ENVOI Struck of the blade that no man parrieth Pierced of the point that toucheth lastly all, 'Gainst that grey fencer, even Death, Behold the shield! He shall not take thee all.
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