The speaker of the poem begins by addressing the deceased child, expressing a sense of shock and disbelief at their death: "You who should have lived the longest/gone so soon." They recall the child's laughter and games, and the joy they brought to those around them. The speaker also expresses a sense of guilt and regret, wondering if there was something they could have done to prevent the child's death.
The poem explores the theme of loss and the search for meaning in the face of death. The speaker reflects on the transient nature of life, and the inevitability of death. They question why the child had to die so soon, and express a sense of frustration and despair.
The final stanza of the poem offers a glimpse of hope and transcendence. The speaker imagines the deceased child "among the stars," and finds comfort in the thought that they are now in a better place. The poem ends with a sense of acceptance and resignation, as the speaker says goodbye to the child and expresses a hope for reunion in the afterlife.
"Lament for the Littlest Fellow" is a powerful and moving elegy that explores the profound grief and sense of loss that accompanies the death of a child. The poem reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, and offers a glimmer of hope and transcendence in the face of tragedy.