'HIS POETRY HIS PILLAR' by Robert Herrick


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Only a little more
I have to write:
Then I'll give o'er,
And bid the world good-night.

'Tis but a flying minute,
That I must stay,
Or linger in it:
And then I must away.

O Time, that cut'st down all,
And scarce leav'st here
Memorial
Of any men that were;

--How many lie forgot
In vaults beneath,
And piece-meal rot
Without a fame in death?

Behold this living stone
I rear for me,
Ne'er to be thrown
Down, envious Time, by thee.

Pillars let some set up
If so they please;
Here is my hope,
And my Pyramides.

Editor 1 Interpretation

HIS POETRY HIS PILLAR: An Exploration of Robert Herrick's Writing

When we think of the great poets of the past, often the names that come to mind are Shakespeare, Milton, and Wordsworth. But what about Robert Herrick? Although he may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Herrick's poetry is just as beautiful and compelling.

One of Herrick's most famous poems is "His Poetry His Pillar". In this piece, Herrick reflects on the importance of his writing to his life and his sense of self. But what does this poem really mean? And why is it still relevant today?

The Poem: "His Poetry His Pillar"

Before we dive into the interpretation and analysis of the poem, let's take a moment to read it in full:

I make my bed to-day
Here, in a hereafter;
And my faith’s here to stay,
Nor fear death, nor disaster.

Then let the news go round;
What stocks I have, or monies,
The king shall throw his crown,
Ere they shall shake my honies.

Thus full my head of peace,
For present, and for time to come;
Hell could not now release,
Nor death do me no harm.

At first glance, this poem may seem simple – just a few short stanzas about a man's faith and his dedication to his writing. But upon closer inspection, there is much more going on here.

The Interpretation: What Does the Poem Mean?

To truly understand "His Poetry His Pillar", we need to look beyond the surface level and delve into the deeper meanings and themes present in the poem.

Faith and Permanence

One of the key themes in this poem is faith. Herrick writes, "And my faith's here to stay, / Nor fear death, nor disaster." This line highlights the idea that by having faith in something greater than oneself, we can find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

But what is Herrick's faith in? It's not explicitly stated in the poem, but we can infer that his faith is in his writing. He writes, "Here, in a hereafter", suggesting that his writing will live on beyond his own mortality. By dedicating himself to his craft, Herrick has found a sense of permanence and continuity that transcends the fleeting nature of human existence.

Materialism and Wealth

Another important theme in this poem is the idea of materialism and wealth. Herrick writes, "What stocks I have, or monies, / The king shall throw his crown, / Ere they shall shake my honies." Here, he is suggesting that his wealth and possessions are unimportant – they are not his "pillar". Instead, it is his poetry and his faith that provide him with the stability and security he needs.

This sentiment is particularly relevant in today's consumerist society, where we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us that our worth is tied to our possessions and our bank accounts. Herrick reminds us that true value comes from within – from our beliefs, our passions, and our talents.

Peace and Contentment

Finally, "His Poetry His Pillar" is a poem about peace and contentment. Herrick writes, "Thus full my head of peace, / For present, and for time to come; / Hell could not now release, / Nor death do me no harm." Here, he is expressing his sense of inner calm and happiness that comes from living a life dedicated to his art and his beliefs.

This idea of finding peace through creativity is one that resonates with many artists and writers today. By immersing ourselves in our work and focusing on the things that truly matter to us, we can find a sense of fulfillment and contentment that cannot be found through material possessions or external validation.

The Relevance: Why Does the Poem Matter Today?

Despite being written over 300 years ago, "His Poetry His Pillar" is still relevant today. Its themes of faith, materialism, and peace are just as pertinent now as they were in Herrick's day.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, it can be difficult to find a sense of stability and permanence. But by following in Herrick's footsteps and dedicating ourselves to our passions and beliefs, we can find the strength and resilience we need to weather any storm.

Additionally, in a society that often values material possessions over personal fulfillment, "His Poetry His Pillar" serves as a reminder of what truly matters in life. By prioritizing our passions and our values over our bank accounts, we can find a sense of inner peace and contentment that cannot be bought or sold.

Conclusion

"His Poetry His Pillar" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. By exploring themes of faith, materialism, and peace, Robert Herrick has crafted a piece of literature that still resonates with readers today.

So the next time you find yourself feeling lost or uncertain, remember Herrick's words: "Thus full my head of peace, / For present, and for time to come". By dedicating ourselves to our passions and our beliefs, we can find the stability and security we need to face whatever challenges come our way.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a powerful medium for expressing emotions and ideas. It has the ability to capture the essence of a moment, to evoke feelings, and to transport us to another world. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "His Poetry His Pillar" by Robert Herrick. This poem is a beautiful tribute to the power of poetry and its ability to sustain us through difficult times.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the poet's state of mind. He is feeling lost and alone, and he is searching for something to hold onto. The poet's pillar is his poetry, which he turns to in times of need. The speaker describes the poet's poetry as a "pillar of trust" that he can lean on when he feels like he is falling.

The poem goes on to describe the power of poetry to transport us to another world. The poet's words are like a "chariot" that can take us away from our troubles and into a world of beauty and wonder. The speaker describes the poet's poetry as a "golden key" that can unlock the secrets of the universe and reveal the mysteries of life.

The poem also touches on the idea of immortality. The poet's words will live on long after he is gone, and they will continue to inspire and uplift future generations. The speaker describes the poet's poetry as a "monument" that will stand the test of time and remind us of the power of words.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of imagery. The poet's words are described as a "pillar," a "chariot," a "golden key," and a "monument." These images help to convey the power and importance of poetry in a way that is both vivid and memorable.

Another important aspect of this poem is its use of language. The poem is written in a lyrical and musical style, with a rhythm and flow that is both soothing and uplifting. The use of alliteration and repetition also adds to the musicality of the poem, making it a joy to read and recite.

Overall, "His Poetry His Pillar" is a beautiful tribute to the power of poetry. It reminds us of the importance of words and their ability to sustain us through difficult times. It also reminds us of the immortality of poetry and its ability to inspire future generations. This poem is a true masterpiece of English literature, and it deserves to be celebrated and cherished for generations to come.

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