Themes

• Death and Mourning: This poem is about the death of Abraham Lincoln. The poet feels deep pain. He uses lilac, the western star, and the coffin as symbols. These show sorrow and loss. The nation is full of grief. People in cities and villages join the funeral journey. The poet shares the sadness of all Americans.
• Acceptance of Death: At first, death looks dark and heavy. The poet feels restless. He cannot find peace. But the hermit thrush sings a song. This song teaches him that death is natural. Death is not an enemy. It is a release from pain. Slowly, the poet accepts death as a part of life. He sees death as soft, calm, and eternal.
• Memory and Immortality: Lincoln has died, but his spirit lives. The lilac returns every spring. The star shines in the sky. The bird sings its song again. These symbols bring back the leader’s memory. The poet knows Lincoln will never be forgotten. His love and wisdom live in the heart of the nation.