Title: The title, "Calling," suggests a sense of beckoning or summoning. It might refer to the speaker's internal call to remember, to reflect, and to communicate.
First Stanza:
The poem opens with a haunting call to remember. The speaker addresses a "thou" who is absent but present in memory. Through the repeated invocation of "remember," the speaker emphasizes the importance of recollection.
Second Stanza:
In the second stanza, the speaker vividly recalls the fading beauty of a person, likely the one being remembered. The speaker mourns the passage of time and the fragility of life.
Third Stanza:
The poem takes a metaphysical turn as the speaker ponders the nature of life beyond the physical world. They envision a realm where the departed exist as shadows, like wisps of smoke.
Fourth Stanza:
In this poignant stanza, the speaker yearns for a reunion with the person they're addressing. They imagine the possibility of recognizing each other's spirits, transcending the boundaries of life and death.
Fifth Stanza:
The poem concludes with the speaker's lament. They express their sorrow at not having fulfilled the calling, suggesting a sense of regret or missed opportunities. The repeated "too late" conveys the speaker's anguish and acceptance of the inevitable.
Overall, "Calling" is a lyrical exploration of the human desire for connection, the transience of life, and the yearning for meaningful relationships beyond the limitations of time and mortality.