# Departure explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr..

## What happens

The speaker addresses the sun and garden, questioning their brightness and joy in the face of his impending departure. He wishes the sun would hide in sympathy and the flowers would weep with him. Turning to his beloved, he asks why she is sorrowful, then urges her to kiss him repeatedly and smile, for her smile is his sun.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

The poem centers on the pain of parting and the beloved's sorrow, highlighting the sacrifice inherent in love.

### Grief and Memory

The speaker's lament and the imagery of weeping flowers and a clouded sun evoke grief and the memory of lost joy.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who laments his departure and addresses the sun, garden, and his beloved.

### Vera

The beloved who is sorrowful at the parting; the speaker urges her to smile and kiss him.

## Key lines

> Oh, why are you shining so bright, big Sun, And why is the garden so gay? Do you know that my days of delight are done, Do you know I am going away?

Why does the sun shine so brightly and the garden look so cheerful when my happiness is ending and I must leave?

_The speaker questions the natural world's indifference to his sorrow._

> Then kiss me again, and again, and again, Look up as you bid me good-bye! For your face is too dear for the stain of a tear, And your smile is the sun in my sky.

Kiss me repeatedly and lift your eyes when you say farewell, because your face is too precious to be marked by tears, and your smile is the light of my life.

_The speaker comforts his beloved, valuing her smile above all._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/departure
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters