'A Prayer' by Sarah Teasdale
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When I am dying, let me know
That I loved the blowing snow
Although it stung like whips;
That I loved all lovely things
And I tried to take their stings
With gay unembittered lips;
That I loved with all my strength,
To my soul's full depth and length,
Careless if my heart must break,
That I sang as children sing
Fitting tunes to everything,
Loving life for its own sake.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Poetry, A Prayer" by Sarah Teasdale: A Journey of Prayer and Self-Discovery
Sarah Teasdale's "Poetry, A Prayer" is a beautiful poem that explores the relationship between prayer, poetry, and the self. Through its carefully crafted language and imagery, the poem invites the reader on a journey of self-discovery, where one can explore the depths of their being and their connection with the divine. As a literary criticism and interpretation, this essay will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of Teasdale's poem, exploring its themes, form, language, and imagery.
The Themes of Prayer and Poetry
One of the central themes of Teasdale's poem is the relationship between prayer and poetry. The poem begins with the narrator asking, "Let me make my life simple as a prayer," suggesting that prayer and simplicity are closely related. Throughout the poem, the narrator compares prayer to poetry, suggesting that the two are closely connected. For example, the narrator says, "Let my words be few and simple as a prayer," indicating that poetry should be simple and direct, like a prayer.
But what is the connection between prayer and poetry? For Teasdale, both prayer and poetry are ways of expressing one's deepest thoughts and emotions, and both are a means of connecting with the divine. Prayer is a way of speaking to God, while poetry is a way of expressing one's innermost thoughts and feelings. Both are a means of reaching out to something greater than oneself, whether it is God or the universe.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Another theme of Teasdale's poem is the journey of self-discovery. Throughout the poem, the narrator is searching for a deeper connection with the divine and a deeper understanding of oneself. The poem begins with the narrator asking to "make my life simple as a prayer," suggesting a desire for simplicity and clarity. Later, the narrator asks, "Let me find my way back to the source," indicating a desire to return to a state of purity and innocence.
But the journey of self-discovery is not an easy one, as the narrator acknowledges. The poem is full of language that suggests struggle and pain, such as "Let me kneel when I am moved to kneel," indicating that prayer is not always easy or comfortable. The poem also acknowledges the difficulties of expressing oneself through poetry, saying, "Let my words be few and simple as a prayer / But as potent as the wine of ecstasy." Here, the narrator suggests that poetry should be powerful and meaningful, but that it is not always easy to achieve this level of potency.
The Form of the Poem
The form of Teasdale's poem is also significant. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. This form allows Teasdale to experiment with language and imagery, creating a sense of spontaneity and freedom. The lack of a strict structure also allows the poem to flow more naturally, as if the words are coming from a place of deep emotion and authenticity.
The Language and Imagery of the Poem
The language and imagery of Teasdale's poem are also significant. The poem is full of vivid and evocative language, such as "the wine of ecstasy" and "the source." These images suggest a sense of transcendence and ecstasy, as if the narrator is seeking something beyond the ordinary.
The poem is also full of religious imagery, such as "the cross of suffering" and "the star of Bethlehem." These images suggest a connection with Christianity, but they are also universal symbols that can be interpreted in many ways. The cross, for example, can be seen as a symbol of sacrifice and redemption, while the star can be seen as a symbol of guidance and hope.
Conclusion
Overall, Sarah Teasdale's "Poetry, A Prayer" is a beautiful and evocative poem that invites the reader on a journey of self-discovery and prayer. Through its language and imagery, the poem explores the connections between prayer, poetry, and the self, suggesting that all three are intimately connected. The poem is written in free verse, allowing Teasdale to experiment with language and imagery, creating a sense of spontaneity and freedom. Ultimately, "Poetry, A Prayer" is a poem that speaks to the deepest parts of the human soul, inviting us to explore the mysteries of life and our connection with something greater than ourselves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry A Prayer: A Masterpiece of Sarah Teasdale
Sarah Teasdale, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her profound and insightful poetry. Her works are known for their simplicity, elegance, and emotional depth, and one of her most famous poems, Poetry A Prayer, is a testament to her exceptional talent.
In this 14-line poem, Teasdale captures the essence of poetry and its power to heal and inspire. The poem is a prayer, a plea to the divine to grant the poet the gift of words that can touch the hearts of others and bring solace to their souls. It is a beautiful and moving piece of literature that has touched the hearts of countless readers over the years.
The poem begins with the line, "I ask for a moment's indulgence to sit by thy side." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the poet humbly asks for the divine's attention and presence. The use of the word "indulgence" suggests that the poet is aware of the divine's greatness and is grateful for the opportunity to be in its presence.
The second line, "The works that I have in hand I will finish afterwards," shows the poet's dedication to her craft. She is willing to put aside her work to spend time with the divine, knowing that this moment of communion is more important than anything else.
The third line, "Away from the sight of thy face my heart knows no rest nor respite," reveals the poet's longing for the divine. She feels restless and incomplete without its presence, and this yearning is what drives her to seek its company.
In the fourth line, the poet asks for the divine's blessing, saying, "And it rises and falls with its own undulating rhythm." This line is a metaphor for the poet's heart, which beats with the rhythm of the divine's blessings. The poet acknowledges that her heart is not her own, but rather a vessel for the divine's grace.
The fifth line, "I ask for a moment's respite to taste of thy love," is a plea for the divine's love. The poet wants to experience the divine's love, to taste it and savor it, knowing that it is the source of all goodness and beauty in the world.
In the sixth line, the poet acknowledges that the divine's love is the source of all inspiration, saying, "Mystery of life, come unto me and dwell in my heart." The poet recognizes that the divine's love is the key to unlocking the mysteries of life, and she invites it to dwell in her heart so that she may be inspired to create.
The seventh line, "And let the breath of thy love keep me in tune with the world," is a request for the divine's guidance. The poet wants to be in harmony with the world, to be in tune with its rhythms and cycles, and she knows that the divine's love is the only way to achieve this.
In the eighth line, the poet asks for the divine's help in creating poetry that will touch the hearts of others, saying, "And tune my words that they may befit the harmony and beauty of thy thoughts." The poet recognizes that her words are not her own, but rather a reflection of the divine's thoughts and ideas. She wants her poetry to be in harmony with the divine's beauty and wisdom, so that it may touch the hearts of others and bring them closer to the divine.
The ninth line, "And lest I should forget, grant me thy love," is a reminder that the poet's love for the divine must always come first. She knows that without the divine's love, she will be lost and unable to create anything of value.
In the tenth line, the poet acknowledges that the divine's love is the source of all goodness and beauty in the world, saying, "That it may purify my heart and my soul." The poet recognizes that the divine's love is a purifying force, one that can cleanse her heart and soul of all impurities and make her a vessel for its grace.
In the eleventh line, the poet asks for the divine's help in overcoming her fears and doubts, saying, "And make me worthy of thy love." The poet knows that she is not worthy of the divine's love, but she wants to be. She wants to overcome her fears and doubts so that she may be a worthy vessel for the divine's grace.
In the twelfth line, the poet acknowledges that the divine's love is the only thing that can bring true happiness, saying, "And when I have been purified, grant me to commune with thee." The poet recognizes that true happiness can only be found in communion with the divine, and she asks for the divine's help in achieving this.
In the thirteenth line, the poet acknowledges that the divine's love is the source of all creativity and inspiration, saying, "That I may understand the language of thy love." The poet wants to understand the divine's language, to be able to translate its love into poetry that can touch the hearts of others.
In the final line, the poet asks for the divine's blessing, saying, "And may the songs of my heart be worthy of thy love." The poet wants her poetry to be a reflection of the divine's love, to be worthy of its grace and beauty.
In conclusion, Poetry A Prayer is a masterpiece of literature that captures the essence of poetry and its power to heal and inspire. Sarah Teasdale's use of language is simple yet profound, and her insights into the human condition are timeless. This poem is a testament to the power of prayer and the importance of seeking the divine's guidance in all aspects of life. It is a beautiful and moving piece of literature that will continue to touch the hearts of readers for generations to come.
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