'Prayer For A New Mother' by Dorothy Parker
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The things she knew, let her forget again-
The voices in the sky, the fear, the cold,
The gaping shepherds, and the queer old men
Piling their clumsy gifts of foreign gold.
Let her have laughter with her little one;
Teach her the endless, tuneless songs to sing,
Grant her her right to whisper to her son
The foolish names one dare not call a king.
Keep from her dreams the rumble of a crowd,
The smell of rough-cut wood, the trail of red,
The thick and chilly whiteness of the shroud
That wraps the strange new body of the dead.
Ah, let her go, kind Lord, where mothers go
And boast his pretty words and ways, and plan
The proud and happy years that they shall know
Together, when her son is grown a man.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Hallelujah! A New Life Has Emerged: An Interpretation of Prayer for a New Mother by Dorothy Parker
Are you a parent, or have you ever witnessed the miracle of childbirth? If you have, then surely you understand the depth of emotions that come with the arrival of a new life. Dorothy Parker, a renowned American writer, brings these emotions to life in her poem, "Prayer for a New Mother." This poem portrays the hopes, prayers, and aspirations of a mother for her newborn child. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes, structure, language, and symbolism of this classic poem.
Themes
The central theme of this poem is the celebration of life. Parker captures the joy of birth, the hope for the future, and the promise of new beginnings. From the opening lines, "The things she knew, let her forget again" to the closing phrase, "Amen," the poem's tone is one of gratitude and wonder. Parker reminds readers that life is a miracle that should be cherished and celebrated.
Another theme that emerges from this poem is the idea of motherhood as a sacred duty. Parker highlights the mother's role as a protector, provider, and nurturer. The poem speaks of a mother's love and desire to shield her child from harm, to provide for their needs, and to nurture them with tenderness and care. The language used to describe the mother's role is powerful and emotive, evoking feelings of warmth, love, and comfort.
Structure
The structure of this poem is simple but effective. It is composed of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, giving the poem a musical quality that is both soothing and uplifting. The poem's brevity allows Parker to pack a punch with every word, creating a powerful and moving piece that captures the essence of new life.
Language
The language used in "Prayer for a New Mother" is simple and direct, yet it is also rich in meaning and symbolism. Parker's use of figurative language creates a vivid image of childbirth and motherhood. For example, in the first stanza, Parker writes, "The things she knew, let her forget again," which is a metaphor for childbirth, where the mother's body undergoes a profound transformation. The mother must forget her past life to embrace the new life she has brought into the world.
The poem is also filled with religious imagery, such as the use of the word "Amen" at the end of each stanza. This word is a Hebrew word meaning "so be it," and it is often used to conclude prayers. The use of this word in the poem emphasizes the sacred nature of motherhood and childbirth.
Symbolism
Parker uses several symbols in "Prayer for a New Mother" to enhance the poem's meaning. One of the most prominent symbols is the image of the child as a new beginning. The child is a symbol of hope, a new life that represents the possibility of a better future. The poem speaks of the child's potential and the mother's desire to help the child reach their full potential.
Another symbol used in the poem is the image of the mother as a shield. The mother is seen as a protector, shielding her child from the harsh realities of the world. The use of this symbol emphasizes the mother's role as a caretaker and nurturer, providing a safe and loving environment for her child to grow and thrive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Prayer for a New Mother" is a powerful and moving tribute to the miracle of childbirth and the sacred duty of motherhood. This poem celebrates life, hope, and the promise of new beginnings. Parker's use of language, structure, and symbolism creates a vivid and emotive image of childbirth and motherhood. This poem serves as a reminder that life is a precious gift that should be cherished and celebrated. So, let us rejoice and say, "Amen!" to this beautiful and inspiring piece of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Prayer For A New Mother: A Poem of Hope and Love
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit and satirical style. However, in her poem "Prayer For A New Mother," Parker shows a softer side, expressing the hopes and fears of a mother for her newborn child. The poem is a beautiful and touching tribute to the miracle of birth and the power of motherhood.
The poem begins with a simple yet powerful invocation: "The things she knew, let her forget again." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Parker acknowledges the overwhelming nature of motherhood and the need to let go of one's preconceptions and expectations. The mother must forget what she knows and be open to the new experiences and challenges that come with raising a child.
Parker then goes on to describe the mother's hopes and dreams for her child. She prays that the child will be "strong and straight and true," with a heart that is "clean and sweet and fine." These are universal hopes that all parents have for their children, and Parker expresses them with a simplicity and sincerity that is both moving and inspiring.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as Parker acknowledges the fears and uncertainties that come with motherhood. She prays that the child will be "brave and gentle and wise," but also that they will be "safe from harm and free from fear." This is a poignant reminder that the world can be a dangerous and unpredictable place, and that mothers must do everything in their power to protect their children.
Parker then turns her attention to the father, acknowledging the important role he plays in the child's life. She prays that he will be "strong and kind and wise," and that he will be a source of comfort and support for the mother and child. This is a reminder that parenting is a team effort, and that both parents must work together to raise a happy and healthy child.
The poem ends with a beautiful and uplifting image: "And may her child be happy when it wakes in paradise." This is a reminder that, no matter what happens in life, the love between a mother and child is eternal and unbreakable. It is a testament to the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit.
Overall, "Prayer For A New Mother" is a beautiful and touching poem that captures the hopes, fears, and joys of motherhood. It is a reminder that, no matter how difficult or challenging parenting may be, the love between a mother and child is a powerful force that can overcome any obstacle. Dorothy Parker's words are a tribute to the miracle of birth and the power of love, and they will continue to inspire and uplift generations of mothers to come.
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