'A Little Prayer' by Robert Service
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Let us be thankful, Lord, for little things -
The song of birds, the rapture of the rose;
Cloud-dappled skies, the laugh of limpid springs,
Drowned sunbeams and the perfume April blows;
Bronze wheat a-shimmer, purple shade of trees -
Let us be thankful, Lord of Life, for these!
Let us be praiseful, Sire, for simple sights; -
The blue smoke curling from a fire of peat;
Keen stars a-frolicking on frosty nights,
Prismatic pigeons strutting in a street;
Daisies dew-diamonded in smiling sward -
For simple sights let us be praiseful, Lord!
Let us be grateful, God, for health serene,
The hope to do a kindly deed each day;
The faith of fellowship, a conscience clean,
The will to worship and the gift to pray;
For all of worth in us, of You a part,
Let us be grateful, God, with humble heart.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Little Prayer: A Poem Worthy of Reverence and Interpretation
Robert Service, a beloved poet, known for his works such as The Cremation of Sam McGee, The Shooting of Dan McGrew, and The Spell of the Yukon, has left us with a beautiful prayer that touches the heart and soul of those who read it. A Little Prayer is an exceptional poem that is not only a prayer but a contemplation of life, death, and the spiritual realm. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, and stylistic elements that make it a masterpiece.
An Overview of the Poem
A Little Prayer is a poem that reflects on the human condition - the struggles, the joys, the sorrows, and the ultimate reality of death. The speaker of the poem is asking the divine for guidance and protection, acknowledging his mortality and seeking reassurance that his soul will find peace after death. The poem is divided into three stanzas, and each stanza builds on the previous one, culminating in a final plea for mercy and forgiveness.
The Themes of the Poem
The Transience of Life
The poem explores the theme of the fragility and impermanence of human life. The speaker acknowledges that life is fleeting and that he will soon perish, which is a sobering thought. The poem reminds us that everything in our world is temporary, and we should make the most of our time on earth.
The Search for Meaning
The poem also touches on the theme of spiritual exploration and the quest for meaning. The speaker is grappling with the question of what happens after death and seeking reassurance that his soul will find peace. This theme is universal, as all humans seek to understand their place in the universe and find meaning in their lives.
The Power of Prayer
The poem emphasizes the power of prayer as a means of seeking comfort, guidance, and protection. The speaker is asking the divine for help, acknowledging his own limitations and seeking assistance from a higher power. This theme resonates with many people, as prayer is a fundamental aspect of many religions and belief systems.
The Structure of the Poem
The poem is composed of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyming scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The structure of the poem is simple but effective, as it allows the poem's themes to shine through without distracting the reader with overly complex language or structure. The use of a regular meter and rhyme scheme also gives the poem a musical quality that adds to its beauty.
Stylistic Elements of the Poem
Imagery
The poem uses vivid imagery to convey its themes. The speaker compares life to a "fleeting breath," which emphasizes its transience. The imagery of the "dreadful dark" also adds to the poem's contemplation of death and the afterlife. The use of imagery is particularly effective in the third stanza, where the speaker compares his soul to a "sorrowing dove" seeking forgiveness.
Repetition
The poem uses repetition to emphasize its themes. The phrase "Grant me" is repeated throughout the poem, highlighting the speaker's plea for guidance and protection. The repetition of the phrase "A little prayer" also emphasizes the power of prayer and its ability to comfort and reassure.
Allusion
The poem also uses allusion to connect with the reader on a deeper level. The speaker refers to the "house of clay" and the "mansion in the sky," which alludes to the Christian belief in the afterlife. This allusion adds depth to the poem's themes and connects with readers who share these beliefs.
Conclusion
A Little Prayer is a beautiful and moving poem that touches on universal themes of life, death, and spirituality. The poem's structure and stylistic elements serve to emphasize its themes, and the use of imagery, repetition, and allusion add to its beauty and depth. Robert Service has left us with a masterpiece that is worthy of reverence and interpretation, and its message of the power of prayer and the search for meaning will resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Little Prayer: An Analysis of Robert Service's Classic Poem
Robert Service's "A Little Prayer" is a classic poem that has been cherished by many for its simplicity and beauty. The poem is a prayer that expresses the poet's desire for peace, love, and happiness. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem.
Themes
The main themes of "A Little Prayer" are peace, love, and happiness. The poem is a prayer that expresses the poet's desire for these things. The poet prays for peace in the world, for love to fill people's hearts, and for happiness to be found in every corner of the earth. The poem is a call to action, urging people to work towards these goals.
Structure
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a simple and rhythmic flow. The poem is written in the first person, which makes it personal and intimate. The use of short lines and simple language makes the poem easy to understand and remember.
Literary Devices
The poem uses several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent device is repetition. The phrase "Grant me" is repeated in each stanza, emphasizing the poet's desire for peace, love, and happiness. The repetition of the phrase "Grant me" also creates a sense of urgency, as if the poet is pleading with a higher power to grant his wishes.
Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the things he is praying for. For example, in the first stanza, he prays for "the peace of a quiet sea." This creates a peaceful and serene image in the reader's mind. In the second stanza, he prays for "the love of a gentle heart." This creates an image of a kind and compassionate person.
The poem also uses symbolism. The phrase "the peace of a quiet sea" symbolizes calmness and tranquility. The phrase "the love of a gentle heart" symbolizes kindness and compassion. The phrase "the joy of a bird in flight" symbolizes freedom and happiness.
Analysis
The poem begins with the poet asking for "the peace of a quiet sea." This is a metaphor for calmness and tranquility. The poet is asking for a world without conflict and violence. He wants people to live in peace and harmony with each other. The repetition of the phrase "Grant me" emphasizes the poet's desire for peace.
In the second stanza, the poet asks for "the love of a gentle heart." This is a metaphor for kindness and compassion. The poet is asking for people to love each other and to treat each other with kindness and respect. The repetition of the phrase "Grant me" emphasizes the poet's desire for love.
In the third stanza, the poet asks for "the joy of a bird in flight." This is a metaphor for freedom and happiness. The poet is asking for people to be free to pursue their dreams and to find happiness in their lives. The repetition of the phrase "Grant me" emphasizes the poet's desire for happiness.
In the final stanza, the poet asks for "the peace of a Christ at night." This is a metaphor for spiritual peace and comfort. The poet is asking for people to find peace and comfort in their faith. The repetition of the phrase "Grant me" emphasizes the poet's desire for spiritual peace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Little Prayer" is a beautiful and simple poem that expresses the poet's desire for peace, love, and happiness. The poem uses repetition, imagery, and symbolism to convey its message. The poem is a call to action, urging people to work towards these goals. The poem is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place.
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