Closing
Closing - meaning Summary
Acceptance of Fading Fame
The speaker reflects on diminished public voice and changing status with age. Once a clear, outwardly heard “whisperer,” he now finds inward companionship, a sterner conscience, and a friendlier home in a rural place. He accepts past wrongs and the loss of fame as transient ceremony, resigned that his valuables and reputation will be neglected or mocked. The tone is reconciliatory rather than bitter about decline and obscurity.
Read Complete AnalysesWhile I, that reed-throated whisperer Who comes at need, although not now as once A clear articulation in the air, But inwardly, surmise companions Beyond the fling of the dull ass's hoof - Ben Johnson's phrase - and find when June is come At Kyle-na-no under that ancient roof A sterner conscience and a friendlier home, I can forgive even that wrong of wrongs, Those undreamt accidents that have made me - Seeing that Fame has perished that long while, Being but a part of ancient ceremony - Notorious, till all my priceless things Are but a post the passing dogs defile.
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