The Last Leaf
By Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
I saw him once before,
As he passed by the door,
And again
The pavement stones resound,
As he totters o’er the ground
With his cane.They say that in his prime,
Ere the pruning knife of time cut him down,
Not a better man was found
By the crier on his round
Through the town.But now he walks the streets,
And looks at all he meets
Sad and wan,
And he shakes his feeble head,
That it seems as if he said,
‘They are gone.’The mossy marbles rest
On the lips that he has pressed
In their bloom,
And the names he loved to hear
Have been carved for many a year
On the tomb.My grandmother has said—
Poor old lady, she is dead
Long ago—
That he had a Roman nose,
And his cheek was like a rose
In the snow;But now his nose is thin,
And it rests upon his chin
Like a staff,
And a crook is in his back,
And a melancholy crack
In his laugh.I know it is a sin
To sit and grin at him here;
But the old three cornered hat,
And the breeches, and all that,
Are so queer!And if I should live to be
The last leaf upon the tree
In the spring,
Let them smile, as I do now,
At the old forsaken bough
Where I cling.
Summary of The Last Leaf
- Understanding “The Last Leaf”: Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.’s poem is a poignant reflection on aging, memory, and the cyclical nature of life. It centers around an encounter with an elderly man, once vibrant, now diminished by time and loss. The speaker observes this man with curiosity and a hint of youthful amusement, grappling with the inevitability of decline.
- Central Idea: The poem explores the theme of transience, emphasizing how time erodes physical beauty, vitality, and even remembrance. The old man embodies this decline, while the speaker’s observation highlights the generational gap and differing perspectives on aging.
- Key Takeaways: The poem serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of empathy and respect for the elderly. It encourages us to recognize the stories and experiences behind weathered faces and to appreciate the wisdom that comes with age. “The Last Leaf” is also a meditation on mortality and the enduring power of memory.
In-Depth Analysis of “The Last Leaf”
Stanza-by-Stanza Breakdown
Let us explore the poem’s meaning through a detailed examination of each stanza.
Stanza 1 introduces the old man, establishing an image of frailty and vulnerability. The lines “The pavement stones resound, / As he totters o’er the ground / With his cane” immediately convey his physical weakness, evoking pity and curiosity.
Stanza 2 recounts the man’s former glory. “They say that in his prime, ere the pruning knife of time cut him down, not a better man was found” suggests he was once respected and admired. The contrast between past and present is a central theme, and the “pruning knife of time” is a powerful metaphor for aging.
Stanza 3 reveals his current emotional state. His sad demeanor and shaking head suggest a deep sense of loss and loneliness. The line “And he shakes his feeble head, / That it seems as if he said, ‘They are gone’” emphasizes the weight of his memories and the absence of those he once loved.
Stanza 4 further paints a picture of loss. The image of “mossy marbles” and carved names on tombs evokes mortality and remembrance, underscoring the man’s profound grief.
Stanzas 5 and 6 introduce a personal connection through the speaker’s grandmother’s memories. The description of the man’s former good looks—“Roman nose” and “cheek like a rose in the snow”—creates a vivid contrast with his current appearance. The deterioration of his features—“nose is thin,” “rests upon his chin like a staff”—symbolizes the relentless passage of time.
Stanzas 7 and 8 offer a moment of self‑awareness and vulnerability. The speaker admits to finding amusement in the old man’s antiquated attire. This is followed by a poignant reflection on mortality: “And if I should live to be / The last leaf upon the tree / In the spring, / Let them smile, as I do now, / At the old forsaken bough / Where I cling.” The final stanza demonstrates a growing understanding of life’s cyclical nature and the inevitability of aging.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “The Last Leaf”
Holmes masterfully employs a variety of devices to enhance the poem’s meaning and impact.
- Metaphor: The “pruning knife of time” symbolizes the destructive force of aging and the way time erodes physical and mental vitality.
- Simile: “And his cheek was like a rose in the snow” creates a vivid image of the man’s former youthfulness.
- Imagery: Throughout the poem, Holmes uses vivid imagery—such as “mossy marbles,” “carved names,” and the “old forsaken bough”—to evoke loss, mortality, and the passage of time.
- Symbolism: The “last leaf” itself is a powerful symbol of mortality and the fragility of life, representing the inevitable end of all living things.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds, as in “pavement stones resound,” adds musicality and emphasis.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme that contributes to its musicality and flow.
- Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next creates a natural rhythm and smooth flow.
Quotes for Discussion
The following lines from “The Last Leaf” are particularly insightful and lend themselves well to discussion:
“And if I should live to be / The last leaf upon the tree / In the spring, / Let them smile, as I do now, / At the old forsaken bough / Where I cling.”
This poignant closing stanza encapsulates the poem’s central themes of mortality, acceptance, and the cyclical nature of life. It encourages readers to contemplate their own aging process and to approach the end of life with grace and humor.
“The Last Leaf” is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of universal themes, combined with its beautiful imagery and masterful use of literary devices, makes it a truly unforgettable work of art.