Analysis

This poem comprises a mere six lines, alluding to the fact that as we drink of the cup of life, death stands waiting in the wings....... weeping over the fate he hols in his hands.

Before us great Death stands
Our fate held close within his quiet hands.
When with proud joy we lift Life’s red wine
To drink deep of the mystic shining cup
And ecstasy through all our being leaps—
Death bows his head and weeps.