The Tragic Muse: Poems about Abraham Lincoln's Assassination

Remembering the Fallen: Abraham Lincoln's Legacy through Poetry

April 14, 1865: a date forever etched in American history. It was on this fateful day that President Abraham Lincoln, the revered leader who had steered the nation through the perils of the Civil War, was assassinated. The impact of this tragedy reverberated throughout the country, and poets from all walks of life expressed their grief, anger, and admiration through powerful verses. In this article, we explore a selection of poems that reflect the deep emotions surrounding Lincoln's untimely demise.

1. "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, one of America's most influential poets, penned this poignant elegy for Lincoln shortly after his assassination. "O Captain! My Captain!" juxtaposes the joy of the Union's victory in the Civil War with the sorrow of losing its great leader. Whitman uses vivid metaphors and imagery to express the nation's collective mourning.

Excerpt:

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

2. "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd" by Walt Whitman

Another moving elegy by Walt Whitman, "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd," is a lengthy poem that reflects on the themes of death, loss, and the cycle of life. It draws upon nature's symbols to grieve Lincoln's passing and pays homage to his enduring legacy.

Excerpt:

When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom'd,
And the great star early droop'd in the western sky in the night,
I mourn'd, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.
Ever-returning spring, trinity sure to me you bring,
Lilac blooming perennial and drooping star in the west,
And thought of him I love.

3. "Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight" by Vachel Lindsay

Vachel Lindsay, a renowned poet and social activist, dedicated this introspective poem to Lincoln's memory. "Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight" delves into the weight that the burdens of leadership and the tragedy of assassination had on the President's spirit. It offers a poignant glimpse into the internal struggles Lincoln may have faced during his presidency.

Excerpt:

It is portentous, and a thing of state
That here at midnight, in our little town
A mourning figure walks, and will not rest,
Near the old court-house pacing up and down,

4. "Lincoln Monument: Washington" by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, explores the significance of Lincoln's memorial in this thought-provoking poem. "Lincoln Monument: Washington" reflects on the complexities of racial equality and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, making it a powerful homage to Lincoln's vision for a better America.

Excerpt:

And there in the night,
Sitting bowed,
A drowsy god on a marble chair,
Lies Abraham.

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln left an indelible mark on American society, forever immortalized in poetry. These poems by Walt Whitman, Vachel Lindsay, and Langston Hughes serve as timeless reminders of the impact Lincoln had on the nation, the grief felt at his loss, and the ongoing pursuit of the ideals he fought for. Through the power of words, these heartfelt verses ensure that Lincoln's legacy endures, continuing to inspire generations to come.