'Prayer For A New Mother' by Dorothy Parker
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Death and Taxes1931The things she knew, let her forget again-The voices in the sky, the fear, the cold,
The gaping shepherds, and the queer old menPiling 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 sonThe 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 shroudThat wraps the strange new body of the dead.Ah, let her go, kind Lord, where mothers goAnd boast his pretty words and ways, and plan
The proud and happy years that they shall knowTogether, when her son is grown a man.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Analysis: Prayer For A New Mother by Dorothy Parker
As soon as I read Dorothy Parker's "Prayer For A New Mother," I was struck by its beauty and simplicity. This poem has become one of my favorites, and I am very excited to interpret and analyze it in this text.
Background Information
Dorothy Parker was an American poet, short story writer, critic, and satirist born on August 22, 1893, in Long Branch, New Jersey. She was well-known for her acerbic wit and social commentary, and her works often depicted the struggles of women in the early 20th century.
"Prayer For A New Mother" was published in 1928, during a time when women were beginning to break free from traditional gender roles and assert their independence in society. The poem reflects this cultural shift and celebrates the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Poem Analysis
"Prayer For A New Mother" is a six-stanza poem that is written in free verse. The poem does not follow a specific rhyme scheme, but it is still very musical and easy to read.
Stanza One
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker begins by addressing a higher power, presumably God, and asking for a blessing upon the new mother and her child. The language used is very gentle and tender, emphasizing the love and care that the mother has for her newborn.
Stanza Two
In the second stanza, the speaker asks for strength and endurance for the mother. The language used is more forceful, suggesting that motherhood is not an easy task and that it requires a lot of effort and perseverance. The speaker acknowledges the challenges that the mother will face, but also emphasizes her inner strength and resilience.
Stanza Three
The third stanza is a continuation of the previous one, with the speaker asking for patience and understanding for the mother. The language used is very empathetic, indicating that the speaker has experienced the struggles of motherhood and understands the emotional toll it can take on a person.
Stanza Four
The fourth stanza shifts the focus to the child, with the speaker asking for protection and safety for the newborn. The language used is very protective and nurturing, emphasizing the mother's natural instinct to care for and protect her child.
Stanza Five
In the fifth stanza, the speaker asks for wisdom and guidance for the mother, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with raising a child. The language used is very reflective and contemplative, indicating that the speaker understands the importance of motherhood and its impact on society.
Stanza Six
The final stanza ties the poem together, with the speaker expressing gratitude and joy for the gift of motherhood. The language used is very celebratory and uplifting, indicating that the speaker sees motherhood as a blessing and a privilege.
Interpretation
"Prayer For A New Mother" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the joys and challenges of motherhood. The poem is not just a prayer for the mother and child, but also an ode to the strength, resilience, and wisdom that mothers possess.
The poem is very empathetic and reflective, indicating that the speaker has experienced the struggles of motherhood and understands the emotional toll it can take on a person. The language used is gentle and tender, emphasizing the love and care that the mother has for her newborn.
The poem also acknowledges the challenges that come with motherhood, such as the need for patience, understanding, and endurance. The speaker recognizes that motherhood is not an easy task, but also emphasizes the inner strength and resilience that mothers possess.
Overall, "Prayer For A New Mother" is a beautiful and uplifting poem that celebrates the gift of motherhood. The poem is a reminder of the joy and beauty that can be found in the struggles of life, and the importance of empathy, reflection, and gratitude in our daily lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Prayer For A New Mother" is a beautiful and impactful poem that celebrates the joys and challenges of motherhood. The poem is reflective, empathetic, and uplifting, emphasizing the love and care that mothers have for their children, as well as their inner strength and resilience.
Dorothy Parker's poem continues to be relevant today, reminding us of the importance of empathy, reflection, and gratitude in our daily lives. As a reader, I am grateful for this poem, and I hope that it continues to inspire and uplift others in the years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Prayer For A New Mother: A Masterpiece by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, the renowned American poet, writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, satirical humor, and insightful observations on life. Her works, which often explore the complexities of human relationships, have earned her a place among the most celebrated writers of the 20th century. One of her most famous poems, Poetry Prayer For A New Mother, is a beautiful and poignant piece that captures the essence of motherhood in a unique and powerful way.
The poem, which was first published in 1928, is a prayer that a mother might say for her newborn child. It is written in the form of a sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The language is simple and direct, yet the emotions it conveys are deep and profound. Parker's use of imagery and metaphor creates a vivid picture of the joys and challenges of motherhood, and her words resonate with anyone who has experienced the miracle of bringing a new life into the world.
The poem begins with a plea to the muse of poetry, asking for inspiration and guidance in expressing the mother's feelings:
"Lord, wrap me in a gown of mothy brass, And hurl me, swift, on a boy's grimy glass; The needle hisses; the bobbin sings; The grimy glass, it warps and swings."
The imagery here is striking and unusual. The "gown of mothy brass" suggests something old and worn, perhaps a symbol of the mother's own experience and wisdom. The "boy's grimy glass" is a reference to the child's eyes, which are still new and unspoiled by the world. The mother is asking for the ability to see the world through her child's eyes, to experience the wonder and innocence of childhood once again.
The next few lines describe the act of sewing, which is a metaphor for the process of creating a new life:
"The needle hisses; the bobbin sings; The grimy glass, it warps and swings."
The sound of the needle and bobbin is like music to the mother's ears, a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something beautiful. The "grimy glass" that warps and swings suggests the fragility of life, and the mother's awareness of the challenges that lie ahead.
The next stanza is a prayer for the child's safety and well-being:
"Lord, if ever I've prayed to you, Let it be now, at the birth of my son; For I know that the worst is yet to come, And I pray that he may be strong and true."
Here, the mother acknowledges the difficulties that lie ahead, and asks for strength and courage for her child. She recognizes that the world can be a harsh and unforgiving place, and she wants her child to be able to face it with confidence and resilience.
The final stanza is a celebration of the miracle of birth, and a recognition of the mother's own role in bringing new life into the world:
"Lord, let me be worthy of this new life, This miracle that you have given to me; Let me be strong, and brave, and true, And let me be the best mother that I can be."
These lines are a testament to the mother's love and devotion to her child. She recognizes the incredible gift that she has been given, and she wants to do everything in her power to be a good mother. The use of the word "miracle" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the birth of a child is something truly extraordinary and awe-inspiring.
In conclusion, Poetry Prayer For A New Mother is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It captures the essence of motherhood in a way that is both beautiful and profound, and it speaks to the universal experience of bringing new life into the world. Dorothy Parker's use of imagery and metaphor is masterful, and her words are both moving and inspiring. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the most important moments in our lives, and to help us make sense of the world around us.
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