I am not dead, beloved, would I were!
My spirit has not ceased to beat with thine;
Only my hope is dead; and Peace divine
Lies dead upon Hope's tomb, while black Despair,
Repeating ever an unanswered prayer,
Gives me to drink his sacramental wine,
And sacramental bread to eat, in sign
That I am his till death, his robes to bear.
I am not dead! I have not died with thee.
This is no sleep, perpetual as time.
Dead lips are mute, and dead eyes cannot see
Pale memories and half-dreamed dreams of bliss
Dead feet have rest, but living feet must climb
The steep round which the eternal darkness is.
I am busy working to bring Philip Bourke Marston's "Not Death, But Life" to life through some unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you soon.
At V2Melody, each arrangement is crafted with care through a thoughtful partnership of human artistry and technological innovation. This process involves:
This creative journey takes time—each composition represents hours of dedicated work to create something that deepens our connection to Philip Bourke Marston's words in meaningful ways.
While you wait for the complete interpretation, I invite you to explore other musical arrangements in my gallery or learn more about Philip Bourke Marston's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "Not Death, But Life" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.