The poem, “To An Athlete Dying Young”, is a literary work intended for adults and younger adults with a deep meaning. The work is an elegy, a poem of passionate expression for the dead, used to entertain but in a sad manner. “To An Athlete Dying Young” is about a cherished athlete whose glory lasts only for a short time. Using realistic fiction to depict a young star, Housman writes in second person directing the poem to the dead sportsman and his fame. The poet’s diction is very complex with a deep inner meaning using phrases and words such as “the fleet foot on the sill of shade” and “withers”. Housman’s style is very distinct by using many metaphors and exceeding amounts figurative language to symbolize and express the sorrow of the young
