I’ve seen a dying eye
Run round and round a room
In search of something, as it seemed,
Then cloudier become;
And then, obscure with fog,
And then be soldered down,
Without disclosing what it be,
‘T were blessed to have seen.
I’ve seen a dying eye
Summary
The poem conveys a poignant observation of death through the metaphor of a dying eye searching around a room, seemingly in pursuit of something elusive. The eye becomes progressively clouded and obscured, perhaps symbolizing the dimming of life and consciousness as death approaches. In the final moments, the eye is metaphorically soldered down, suggesting the closure and finality of death without ever revealing what it sought or found. The observer reflects on the privilege of witnessing such a profound, although mysterious, event. The imagery evokes themes of life's transient nature, the mystery of death, and the unknown journey that follows.Read Online
