'Prayer' by Robert Service
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You talk o' prayer an' such -
Well, I jest don't know how;
I guess I got as much
Religion as a cow.
I fight an' drink an' swear;
Red hell I often raise,
But never said a prayer
In all my days.
I'm honest, right enough;
Don't take no stock in crimes;
I'm jest a dockside tough,
An' yet . . . an' yet sometimes,
If I should happen by
A church-door open wide
The chances are that I
Will sneak inside.
It's kin o' peaceful there,
Jest sittin' in a pew;
There's sompin' in the air
That rests me through an' through;
It does me heaps o' good
To see them candles glow,
So soothin' to the mood . . .
Why? - I don't know.
Unless that sittin' still
Can be a kind o' prayer;
My heart jest seems to fill
Wi' peace . . . Oh, God don't care
For guys the likes o' me;
I just ain't in His line:
But when the Cross I see,
I make the sign.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Prayer by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever stopped to ponder the power of prayer? It is an act that transcends religion, language, and culture. It is a universal language that connects us with a higher power, a force that is greater than ourselves. Prayer is an expression of our deepest hopes, fears, and desires. It is a plea for guidance, strength, and protection. It is a conversation with the divine. And in his poem, "Prayer," Robert Service captures the essence of this sacred act.
Background
Robert Service was a Scottish-Canadian poet and writer who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush, but he also wrote about a wide range of subjects, including war, love, and spirituality. "Prayer" was first published in his 1912 collection of poems, "The Spell of the Yukon and Other Verses."
Structure
"Prayer" is a short poem that consists of only four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem has a simple yet elegant structure, with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB) and meter (iambic tetrameter). The use of repetition in the poem is also noteworthy, with the word "pray" appearing at the beginning of each stanza. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the central theme of the poem - the power of prayer.
Interpretation
At its core, "Prayer" is a poem about the transformative power of prayer. The speaker of the poem is urging the reader to pray, to connect with the divine, and to experience the peace and comfort that prayer can bring. The poem begins with the lines:
"Let us pray," the Priest says,
"Let us bow our heads."
But I am thinking, as I raise my eyes
To the Mountains, I am thinking of the sheds,
These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is in a state of contemplation, looking up at the mountains and reflecting on the power of prayer. The mention of the sheds is interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is in a rural or remote area, perhaps surrounded by nature. This setting reinforces the idea that prayer is a universal act that can be performed anywhere, at any time.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of prayer as a transformative act:
Let us pray. We lift our hearts on high
As the gracious Master teaches.
Let us pray. With faith we draw anigh
To the throne of Love that reaches
Here, the speaker is emphasizing the importance of faith in prayer. Prayer is not just a set of words or rituals, but a connection with a higher power that requires faith and trust. The use of the word "anigh" is also interesting, as it suggests that prayer brings us closer to the divine. The "throne of Love" is a powerful metaphor for God or a higher power. It suggests that prayer is an act of love, a way of expressing our deepest emotions and desires to a force that cares for us.
The third stanza of the poem takes a somewhat darker turn:
Let us pray. There's a sordid strife
And the skies are dark above us.
Let us pray. For the love of life,
For the dear ones that love us.
Here, the speaker is acknowledging the harsh realities of life. There is "sordid strife" and the skies are "dark." Prayer is not a magic wand that can make all our problems disappear, but it is a way of coping with them. The mention of "the love of life" and "the dear ones that love us" suggests that prayer can give us the strength to face life's challenges and to find meaning and purpose in our relationships.
The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of the poem together:
Let us pray. There's a world above,
Where the snow-white Angels hover,
And the way to that world is Love,
And this world is but a cover.
Here, the speaker is reminding us of the ultimate goal of prayer - to connect with the divine and to reach a higher plane of existence. The mention of "snow-white Angels" and "Love" reinforces the idea that prayer is an act of love and that the divine is a force that cares for us. The final line of the poem, "And this world is but a cover," is a powerful metaphor for the idea that there is more to life than what we can see and touch. Prayer is a way of lifting the veil and connecting with a deeper, more profound reality.
Conclusion
In "Prayer," Robert Service has created a powerful meditation on the transformative power of prayer. The poem is a reminder that prayer is a universal act that can bring comfort, strength, and guidance to anyone, regardless of their religion or background. The use of repetition, meter, and rhyme creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the central theme of the poem. Ultimately, "Prayer" is a celebration of the human spirit and our ability to connect with a higher power that transcends the limitations of this world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Prayer by Robert Service: A Poem of Hope and Faith
Robert Service, a renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. One of his most famous poems, Prayer, is a beautiful and powerful piece that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and hope. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing God, asking for strength and guidance in the face of adversity. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker acknowledging their own weakness and the need for divine intervention. The use of the word "feeble" in the first line emphasizes the speaker's vulnerability and the powerlessness they feel in the face of their struggles.
The second stanza continues this theme of weakness and vulnerability, with the speaker describing themselves as a "weary pilgrim" who is "lost in the night." The use of the word "pilgrim" is significant, as it suggests a journey or quest for something greater than oneself. The speaker is not just asking for help with a specific problem but is seeking a deeper meaning and purpose in their life.
The third stanza introduces the idea of faith, with the speaker asking for "faith to light the way." This line suggests that the speaker believes that faith is a guiding force that can help them navigate the challenges of life. The use of the word "light" is also significant, as it suggests that faith can illuminate the darkness and provide clarity and direction.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, with the speaker asking for "courage to fight the fight." This line suggests that the speaker is not just asking for help but is willing to take action and fight for what they believe in. The use of the word "fight" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not just a passive victim but an active participant in their own life.
The fifth stanza introduces the idea of hope, with the speaker asking for "hope to win the day." This line suggests that the speaker believes that there is a possibility of victory, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The use of the word "win" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not just hoping for a positive outcome but actively working towards it.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker once again acknowledging their own weakness and asking for divine intervention. However, there is a subtle shift in tone, with the speaker expressing gratitude for the blessings they have already received. The use of the word "bless" in the final line suggests that the speaker believes that their prayers have been answered and that they have already received the strength and guidance they need.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its simplicity. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the speaker's message. However, this simplicity is deceptive, as the poem is rich with literary devices and imagery.
One of the most prominent literary devices in the poem is repetition. The repeated use of the phrase "give me" emphasizes the speaker's desperation and the urgency of their request. The repetition of the word "faith" and "hope" also reinforces the importance of these concepts in the speaker's life.
Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. The speaker compares themselves to a "weary pilgrim" and a "feeble child," emphasizing their vulnerability and the need for guidance and support. The use of the word "night" to describe the speaker's situation also creates a sense of darkness and uncertainty.
The historical context of the poem is also significant. Robert Service was writing during a time of great social and political upheaval, with the First World War and the Russian Revolution both taking place in the early 20th century. The themes of faith, hope, and courage would have resonated with readers who were struggling to make sense of a world that seemed to be falling apart.
In conclusion, Prayer by Robert Service is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and hope. The themes of faith, hope, and courage are timeless and universal, making this poem as relevant today as it was when it was first written. The use of literary devices such as repetition and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem, while the historical context provides insight into the social and political climate of the time. Overall, Prayer is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and uplift, even in the darkest of times.
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