Night on the Graves, Voltairine de Cleyre: Summary & Analysis
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"Night on the Graves" by Voltairine de Cleyre is a poignant and reflective poem that captures the solemn beauty and reverence of a cemetery at night. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, the poem pays tribute to the heroes resting in the graveyard and invokes a sense of connection between the living and the deceased. The poem also touches on themes of remembrance, honor, and the enduring legacy of those who have sacrificed for their country. Night on the Graves
O'er the sweet, quiet homes in the silent grave-city,
Softly the dewdrops, the night-tears, fall;
Broadly about, like the wide arms of pity,
The silver-shot darkness lies over all.
Heroes, asleep 'neath the red-hearted rose-wreaths,
Leaf-crowned with honor, flower-crowned with rest,
Gently above you each moon-dripping bough breathes
A far-echoed whisper, "Sleep well; ye are blest."
Oh! never, as long as the heart pulses quicker
At the dear name of Country may yours be forgot;
Nor may we, till …