In "I Shall Not Cry Return" by Ellen M. Huntington Gates, the poet grapples with the pain of loss and the longing for a loved one who has departed. Through poignant verses and introspective reflections, Gates explores the enduring impact of separation and the hope for eventual reunion.
The poem opens with a steadfast declaration: "I shall not cry Return! Return!" This resolute statement sets the tone for the speaker's determination to endure their sorrow without succumbing to despair. Despite the ache of missing their beloved, the speaker resolves to remain steadfast in the face of their absence.
Gates artfully portrays the passage of time through natural imagery, evoking the eternal cycle of sunsets and dawns. The repetition of "sunsets burn" and "dawns make no delay" underscores the relentless march of time, emphasizing the inevitability of change and the persistence of longing even as life goes on.
The poet expresses the depth of their loneliness and longing through the refrain "I shall be lonesome — I shall miss," highlighting the profound void left by the absence of their loved one. The loss is palpable in the absence of "Your hand, your voice, your smile, your kiss," leaving the speaker to grapple with the emptiness of their once vibrant connection.
Gates reflects on the aftermath of loss, acknowledging the futility of speaking the loved one's name to strangers who cannot comprehend the depth of their grief. The metaphor of a "sudden tempest" that sweeps the speaker's gardens bare symbolizes the devastation of loss, leaving only "Silence with her lifted face" in its wake.
Yet, amidst the pain and longing, the poet finds solace in the belief that the parting is not permanent. The speaker recognizes the possibility of reunion beyond the confines of earthly existence, embracing the idea of claiming "eternity" and finding the path to where their loved one has gone.
Ultimately, "I Shall Not Cry Return" by Ellen M. Huntington Gates is a poignant exploration of loss, longing, and the enduring hope for reunion. Through evocative language and heartfelt introspection, Gates invites readers to contemplate the complexities of grief and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound loss.