When she had passed, it seemed like the ceasing of exquisite music

When she had passed, it seemed like the ceasing of exquisite music

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of the most beloved American poets of the 19th century, had a way with words that could capture the essence of human emotions and experiences like no other. His poem "The Cross of Snow" is a poignant reflection on the loss of his wife, Fanny, who tragically died in a fire. In this poem, Longfellow writes, "When she had passed, it seemed like the ceasing of exquisite music."

These words perfectly encapsulate the profound sense of loss and emptiness that Longfellow felt after his wife's passing. The comparison of her presence to exquisite music highlights the beauty and joy that she brought into his life. Her absence, then, is likened to the sudden and jarring silence that follows the end of a beautiful piece of music.

Longfellow's use of imagery and metaphor in this line is both powerful and evocative. The image of exquisite music coming to a sudden stop conveys the abruptness and finality of death, as well as the overwhelming sense of emptiness and loss that follows. The word "ceasing" suggests a sudden and unexpected halt, mirroring the suddenness of Fanny's death and the shock and disbelief that Longfellow must have felt in its aftermath.

Furthermore, the choice of the word "exquisite" to describe the music of Fanny's presence speaks to the depth of Longfellow's love and admiration for his wife. It suggests that her presence was not just pleasant or enjoyable, but truly extraordinary and exceptional. The use of this word also serves to emphasize the profound impact that Fanny had on Longfellow's life, and the depth of the void that her absence left behind.