Are We Hiding From Death? Poetry as a Memento Mori in the Modern Age

[v2melody]

I've been thinking a lot lately about death – something we, as a society, seem increasingly adept at ignoring. Unlike the Victorians, who embraced memento mori (remember you must die) as a constant reminder of life's fleeting nature, we tend to sanitize death, pushing it to the periphery of our daily lives.

Think about it: death used to be a much more visible part of life. Funerals were community affairs held in the home, mourning rituals were openly observed, and death was an accepted part of the life cycle. Today, death often happens in hospitals, out of sight. Grief is a private matter, often hurried and unspoken. We shy away from the topic, uncomfortable with its stark reality.

Why is this? Are we afraid? Distracted by the constant barrage of information and the pursuit of youth and longevity? Do we simply lack the tools to process the inevitable?

I've found solace and a different perspective through poetry, particularly here at V2Melody. When you delve into the world of verse, you quickly realize how much poets grapple with death, loss, and the ephemeral nature of existence.

From classic works like A.E. Housman's "To an Athlete Dying Young", which poignantly captures the tragedy of unrealized potential, to Emily Dickinson's unsettling yet insightful exploration of mortality in "Because I Could Not Stop for Death", poetry offers a space to confront our fears and contemplate our own mortality.

Even seemingly uplifting poems, like Robert Herrick’s "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time," carry a quiet acknowledgement that life and beauty are fleeting. The phrase "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may" is a beautiful sentiment but also speaks to an awareness of our own mortality.

There are many other examples in the collection at V2Melody.

Perhaps by engaging with these poems – by allowing ourselves to feel the sadness, the uncertainty, and even the beauty within them – we can begin to reclaim a healthier relationship with death. Instead of fearing it as an end, maybe we can learn to see it as an integral part of the human experience, a force that shapes and gives meaning to our lives.

What do you all think? Do you agree that we avoid talking about death? Has poetry helped you come to terms with mortality or appreciate the transient nature of life? Share your thoughts and favorite poems that explore these themes!

Looking forward to hearing your perspectives!