'Sisters Of Mercy' by Leonard Cohen


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Oh the sisters of mercy, they are not departed or gone.

They were waiting for me when I thought that I just can't go
on.

And they brought me their comfort and later they brought me
this song.

Oh I hope you run into them, you who've been travelling so
long.


Yes you who must leave everything that you cannot control.


It begins with your family, but soon it comes around to your
soul.

Well I've been where you're hanging, I think I can see how
you're pinned:

When you're not feeling holy, your loneliness says that
you've sinned.


Well they lay down beside me, I made my confession to
them.

They touched both my eyes and I touched the dew on their hem.


If your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn

they will bind you with love that is graceful and green as a
stem.


When I left they were sleeping, I hope you run into them
soon.

Don't turn on the lights, you can read their address by the
moon.

And you won't make me jealous if I hear that they sweetened
your night:

We weren't lovers like that and besides it would still be all
right,

We weren't lovers like that and besides it would still be all
right.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sisters Of Mercy: A Literary Criticism

Wow! What a masterpiece. Leonard Cohen's "Sisters Of Mercy" is a timeless poem that tells a powerful story of love, hope, and compassion. In this literary criticism, we will explore the different literary elements used in the poem, the themes, and the interpretations that can be drawn from it.

Background

"Sisters Of Mercy" is a poem that was written by Leonard Cohen in the 1960s. It was first recorded in 1967 as part of his album "Songs Of Leonard Cohen." The poem is a beautiful tribute to the kindness and compassion of the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic religious congregation of women who dedicate their lives to serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.

Analysis

The poem starts with the speaker seeking refuge from the cold and the dark. He is lost and alone, and he is looking for a place to rest. The first line sets the tone for the poem: "Oh, the sisters of mercy, they are not departed or gone." The sisters of mercy are the ones who will provide the speaker with shelter and warmth.

The second stanza describes the speaker's encounter with one of the sisters of mercy. She is described as being "kindly" and "gentle," and she welcomes the speaker with open arms. She takes care of him, and she provides him with the love and the comfort that he needs. The speaker is grateful for her kindness, and he feels blessed to have met her.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker starts to reflect on the world outside and the suffering that exists. He talks about the "desperate men" and the "broken-hearted lovers," and he wonders why the world can be so cruel. He asks, "Why must it be so hard?" The speaker is struggling to understand why there is so much pain and suffering in the world.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker finds solace in the fact that there are people like the sisters of mercy who dedicate their lives to serving others. He sees them as a beacon of hope in a dark and troubled world. He says, "They will bind up the wounds when the bleeding has stopped and the smile of a new-born baby fusses and cries." The sisters of mercy are the ones who bring hope and healing to the world.

The fifth stanza is where the poem reaches its climax. The speaker declares his love for the sisters of mercy and their mission. He says, "I love you, I love you, I love you." He sees them as the embodiment of love and compassion, and he wants to be a part of their mission. He says, "If you want a partner, take my hand."

The final stanza is a beautiful tribute to the sisters of mercy. The speaker describes them as "angels of mercy" who bring hope and healing to the world. He says, "The sisters of mercy, they are not departed or gone. They were waiting for me when I thought that I just can't go on." The sisters of mercy are always there for those who need them, and they bring light to the darkest corners of the world.

Themes

The themes that are explored in "Sisters Of Mercy" are love, compassion, hope, and the struggle to understand the suffering that exists in the world. The poem celebrates the kindness and the generosity of the sisters of mercy, who dedicate their lives to serving others. It also acknowledges the pain and suffering that exists in the world and the struggle to understand why it exists.

Interpretation

The interpretation of "Sisters Of Mercy" depends on the reader's perspective. Some may see it as a tribute to the Sisters of Mercy and their mission, while others may see it as a reflection on the struggle to understand the suffering that exists in the world. The poem can also be interpreted as a call to action, encouraging readers to join the mission of the Sisters of Mercy and to bring hope and healing to the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Sisters Of Mercy" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the kindness and the compassion of the Sisters of Mercy. It acknowledges the pain and suffering that exists in the world and the struggle to understand it. The poem is a powerful tribute to the generosity and the love that the Sisters of Mercy bring to the world. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sisters of Mercy: A Poetic Masterpiece by Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen, the Canadian poet, singer, and songwriter, is known for his profound and introspective lyrics that explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "Sisters of Mercy," which was later adapted into a song and included in his debut album, "Songs of Leonard Cohen." This poem is a masterpiece that delves into the themes of love, compassion, and the search for meaning in life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its structure, language, and meaning.

Structure and Language

"Sisters of Mercy" is a free-verse poem that consists of four stanzas, each with six lines. The poem's structure is simple yet effective, with each stanza building on the previous one to create a sense of progression and development. The language used in the poem is also simple and direct, with no complex metaphors or obscure references. This simplicity is intentional, as it allows the poem's message to be conveyed clearly and powerfully.

The poem's opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker describing his state of mind as "broken" and "lost." He is searching for something to give him hope and meaning in life, and he finds it in the form of the "sisters of mercy." These sisters are not literal nuns but rather a metaphor for the compassion and love that the speaker seeks.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the sisters as "gentle" and "kind," with "hands that offer nothing but peace." This imagery creates a sense of comfort and safety, as if the sisters are a refuge from the harshness of the world. The speaker is drawn to their warmth and compassion, which he sees as a source of healing for his broken soul.

The third stanza is the most powerful and emotional of the poem, as the speaker describes the sisters' actions in detail. He says that they "take the wounded and the lame" and "lead them to their halls of kindness." This imagery is reminiscent of a hospital or a sanctuary, where the wounded and the sick are cared for and healed. The sisters' actions are selfless and compassionate, and they offer hope and comfort to those in need.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the speaker's own journey. He says that he has "been where you're hanging" and that he knows what it's like to feel lost and broken. However, he has found solace in the sisters' compassion and love, and he encourages others to seek them out as well. The final line of the poem, "They will bind you with love that is graceful and green," is a beautiful metaphor for the healing power of love and compassion.

Themes and Meaning

The themes of love, compassion, and the search for meaning in life are central to "Sisters of Mercy." The poem explores the idea that we are all broken in some way and that we need love and compassion to heal and find meaning in life. The sisters of mercy represent this love and compassion, and they offer a refuge from the harshness of the world.

The poem also touches on the idea of empathy and the importance of understanding the struggles of others. The speaker has "been where you're hanging," and he knows what it's like to feel lost and broken. This empathy allows him to connect with others and offer them hope and comfort.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of redemption and the possibility of finding meaning in life even in the darkest of times. The speaker's journey from brokenness to healing is a testament to the power of love and compassion to transform our lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Sisters of Mercy" is a poetic masterpiece that explores the themes of love, compassion, and the search for meaning in life. The poem's simple yet powerful language and structure create a sense of progression and development, leading the reader on a journey from brokenness to healing. The sisters of mercy represent the healing power of love and compassion, and the poem encourages us to seek them out in our own lives. Leonard Cohen's "Sisters of Mercy" is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and move readers today.

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