# Lines on the Finding of a Young Man's Body in Toronto Bay explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

A young man's body is discovered in Toronto Bay, and through the maker's name on his suit, his identity is traced to Montreal. A kind man embalms the body and restores the features, allowing the grieving father to reclaim his son, earning gratitude and honor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Loss

The poem centers on the discovery of a young man's body and the sorrow of his unknown identity, culminating in the father's grief and gratitude.

## Key lines

> A young man’s body long it lay / In bottom of Toronto Bay, / But at last the waters bore, / And raised him up near to the shore.

The young man's body remained submerged in Toronto Bay for a long time before the water eventually brought it to the surface near the shore.

_Describes the discovery of the body._

> Kind man took charge of the remains, / And was well rewarded for his pains, / So skilful he did him embalm, / Restored the features sweet and calm.

A compassionate man took responsibility for the body, skillfully embalming it and restoring the peaceful appearance of the young man's face, for which he was generously compensated.

_Highlights the embalming and restoration of the body._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/lines-on-the-finding-of-a-young-man-s-body-in-toronto-bay
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters