Elizabeth Jennings: In Memory Of Anyone Unknown To Me

At this particular time I have no one
Particular person to grieve for, though there must
Be many, many unknown ones going to dust
Slowly, not remembered for what they have done
Or left undone. For these, then, I will grieve
Being impartial, unable to deceive.

How they lived, or died, is quite unknown,
And, by that fact gives my grief purity—
An important person quite apart from me
Or one obscure who drifted down alone.
Both or all I remember, have a place.
For these I never encountered face to face.

Sentiment will creep in. I cast it out
Wishing to give these classical repose,
No epitaph, no poppy and no rose
From me, and certainly no wish to learn about
The way they lived or died. In earth or fire
They are gone. Simply because they were human, I admire.

Discussion Questions

• Who can you remember that has been forgotten over time? How are they remembered?

• Is it possible to grieve for someone we don’t know? What does it look like?

• How does knowing take away from purity?

Reflections from #MedHumChat

“I think people are often remembered through various senses. It can be through music that you listen to, a food you associate with them, or a smell.” —@shivanijanimd

About this #MedHumChat

“In Memory Of Anyone Unknown To Me” was paired with the painting “The Power of Music” by William Sidney Mount for a #MedHumChat on September 1, 2021 discussing Music, Poetry, Remembrance, Humanity.

The pieces for this chat as well as the accompanying discussion questions were curated by Leyla Aponte (@LeylaAponte).

About the Author

Elizabeth Joan Jennings (1926 - 2001) was an English poet and librarian.