What is the literary term for a poem of serious reflection, typically about death?

The term that refers to a poem of serious reflection, particularly on themes of death, is an elegy. Elegies are characterized by their contemplative nature and often express feelings of mourning and loss. They serve as a form of tribute to someone who has passed away, capturing both the sorrow of the speaker and the memory of the deceased. This genre has been a significant part of poetic tradition, with notable examples found throughout literary history that explore the complexities of grief and the process of mourning.

In contrast, a sonnet is a specific type of poetic form that consists of 14 lines, typically following a particular rhyme scheme and is often used to explore themes of love. An ode is a lyrical poem that expresses admiration or praise for someone or something, conveying more celebratory sentiments rather than reflections on death. A lyric poem, while emotional and personal, does not specifically align with the serious thematic focus on death that an elegy does.