According to the Mirriam-Webster Dictionary, the Latin term carpe diem literally means "pluck the day." The term first appeared in 1817, at which time the term phrase "pluck the day" had a connotation of today's "seize the day." The Mirriam-Webster Dictionary also defines carpe diem as "the enjoyment of the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future." Later romantic era poets had strong overtones of seizing the day. Their literature urged readers to live for the moment. Three examples of text including a theme of carpe diem are "She Walks In Beauty", "When We Two Parted", "and "When I Have Fears That I May Cease To Be."
             George Gordon, also known as Lord Byron, is the author of "She Walks In Beauty." The poem is about a vision of a woman. The woman described is very beautiful: "She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies." She is soft, calm, and eloquent. But she is also beautiful because of her innocence: "A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!" The reference to carpe diem in this poem is the seizing of a moment of beauty. Lord Byron's capture of a vision of loveliness is the same as capturing the day. He is only concerned with this vision and not with anything else. He is living for himself.
             This is much like the narrator of "When We Two Parted." This poem was also written by Lord Byron. The poem here is about a couple who met in secrecy and must now part. The poem states, "In secret we met-In silence I grieve." The secrecy of their meetings shows that the two live only for themselves. This is a large reference to seizing of the day. It is alludes to carpe diem in that the narrator is talking about wanting a girl he cannot have. He wants this girl for himself. He wants to be able to live his life the
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