What is a mournful and melancholic poem that often pays tribute to someone who has passed away?

An elegy is a specific type of poem characterized by its mournful and melancholic tone, often written to commemorate and pay tribute to someone who has died. Elegies typically reflect deep feelings of loss and sorrow, conveying themes of mourning and remembrance. They serve as a form of poetic expression to honor the life and memory of the deceased.

While a sonnet is a structured form of poetry that can cover a variety of themes, including love and nature, it is not specifically devoted to mourning. A eulogy, on the other hand, is a speech or tribute delivered at a funeral, rather than a poetic form. A dirge is a lament for the dead and often functions similarly to an elegy, but it is more commonly associated with a specific musical composition or chant used during funerals. Elegy, however, is distinctly recognized as a poetic form dedicated to expressing sorrowful reflections on loss, making it the correct answer to the question.