When I am Dead, My Dearest

-          Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

(This poem tells the dear one not to be sentimental and sing sad songs for her when she is dead. The first stanza deals with the world of the living and the second with the poet’s experience in the grave. )

            The poet tells her lover not to sing sad songs for her when she is dead. He should plant neither roses nor cypress tree at her tomb. But he should be like the green grass which continuously provides showers and dewdrops. He can remember or forget her according to his will.

            After her death, the poet will not be able to see the shadows provided by the trees. Neither will she feel the rain. She will not hear the sorrowful songs of the birds. She will be dreaming through the twilight that will be neither bright nor dim. She will be in a kind of senseless state. She may or may not remember her previous experiences.