What does the swallow symbolize in this context? (poem included)?

Question:I'm writing an explication of a poem by e. e. cummings. here is the text:

when life is quite through with
and leaves say alas,
much is to do
for the swallow,that closes
a flight in the blue;

when love's had his tears out,
perhaps shall pass
a million years
(while a bee dozes
on the poppies,the dears;

when all's done and said,and
under the grass
lies her head
by oaks and roses
deliberated.)

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I have a pretty good grasp of it, but the meaning of the swallow is unclear.

I know swallows symbolize faithful friendship, so in that context I think the poem is saying the friends have a lot to deal with when someone dies.

I also know swallows are regarded as carriers of the soul from earth to heaven. In this case, the swallow is the means by which the soul leaves the living world.

I think cummings might be aware of both meanings, and is using them both consciously, but what do you think it means?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm writing an explication of a poem by e. e. cummings. here is the text:

when life is quite through with
and leaves say alas,
much is to do
for the swallow,that closes
a flight in the blue;

when love's had his tears out,
perhaps shall pass
a million years
(while a bee dozes
on the poppies,the dears;

when all's done and said,and
under the grass
lies her head
by oaks and roses
deliberated.)

=========

I have a pretty good grasp of it, but the meaning of the swallow is unclear.

I know swallows symbolize faithful friendship, so in that context I think the poem is saying the friends have a lot to deal with when someone dies.

I also know swallows are regarded as carriers of the soul from earth to heaven. In this case, the swallow is the means by which the soul leaves the living world.

I think cummings might be aware of both meanings, and is using them both consciously, but what do you think it means?

I think that what your thinking is right i also think that it (the whole poem) just means that life still goes on whenever we die, time doesn't stop the world does keep moving only without us in it. hence the old tradition of stoping a clock when one dies it doesn't really mean everything does.
hope this helps a little

The swallow symbolizes the soul, that has a journey ahead of it to wherever it goes. Love cries his tears for what seems like forever while His love "sleeps" beneath the grass.

"much is to do
for the swallow,that closes
a flight in the blue"

The swallow is really busy flying this soul through the sky ("the blue"?) and making sure it gets where it should go. I don't really see the friendship angle as much. Sorry, I hated analyzing poetry. =P

the swallow is no longer unhappy