'Prayer' by Jorie Graham
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Over a dock railing, I watch the minnows, thousands, swirl
themselves, each a minuscule muscle, but also, without the
way to create current, making of their unison (turning, re-
infolding,
entering and exiting their own unison in unison) making of themselves a
visual current, one that cannot freight or sway by
minutest fractions the water's downdrafts and upswirls, the
dockside cycles of finally-arriving boat-wakes, there where
they hit deeper resistance, water that seems to burst into
itself (it has those layers) a real current though mostly
invisible sending into the visible (minnows) arrowing
motion that forces change--
this is freedom. This is the force of faith. Nobody gets
what they want. Never again are you the same. The longing
is to be pure. What you get is to be changed. More and more by
each glistening minute, through which infinity threads itself,
also oblivion, of course, the aftershocks of something
at sea. Here, hands full of sand, letting it sift through
in the wind, I look in and say take this, this is
what I have saved, take this, hurry. And if I listen
now? Listen, I was not saying anything. It was only
something I did. I could not choose words. I am free to go.
I cannot of course come back. Not to this. Never.
It is a ghost posed on my lips. Here: never.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Jorie Graham's "Prayer"
As a writer, Jorie Graham is known for her complex and deeply philosophical poetry. Her poem "Prayer" is no exception. This poem is a haunting and intense exploration of the human soul and its connection to a higher power. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's themes, symbols, and language to uncover the layers of meaning it contains.
The Theme of Prayer
At its heart, "Prayer" is a poem about the act of prayer itself. But it is not a simple ode to the power of prayer. Instead, Graham uses the act of prayer as a vehicle to explore deeper questions about the nature of human existence. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which approaches the theme of prayer from a different angle.
In the first section, the speaker describes the physical act of prayer, using vivid and sensory language to convey the experience of being in a state of devotion. The speaker describes the "groaning" of the body, the feeling of being "drowned," and the way that the act of prayer "refigures" the body into a new shape. These images convey the intense physicality of prayer, and the way that it can transform the self into something new.
In the second section, the poem takes on a more philosophical tone, as the speaker meditates on the relationship between the self and the divine. The speaker asks, "Who are we when we pray?" and wonders whether prayer is a way of "reaching out to what pierces us." These questions are at the heart of the poem's exploration of prayer, as it suggests that prayer is a way of connecting with something greater than ourselves.
Finally, in the third section, the poem turns inward, as the speaker begins to question the efficacy of prayer itself. The speaker wonders whether prayer is nothing more than a "conversation with the self," and whether it has any real power to change the world. This section raises important questions about the nature of faith and the role that prayer plays in our lives.
The Symbolism of Water
Throughout the poem, water is used as a powerful symbol of transformation and renewal. In the first section, the speaker describes the feeling of being "drowned" in prayer. This image suggests that the act of prayer is like being submerged in water, as it can be overwhelming and all-consuming.
Later, in the second section, the speaker describes the way that prayer can "wash us clean." This image of water as a purifying force is a common one in religious traditions, and it reinforces the idea that prayer is a way of purifying the self and connecting with something greater.
Finally, in the third section, the speaker describes the way that prayer can be like "rain on a roof." This image suggests that prayer can be a comforting presence, even if it doesn't have the power to change the world. In this way, water becomes a symbol of both transformation and comfort, highlighting the complex nature of prayer and its effects on the self.
The Language of Prayer
One of the most striking features of "Prayer" is its use of highly poetic language to describe the act of prayer. The poem is full of rich metaphors and vivid imagery, which create a sense of awe and wonder around the act of prayer.
For example, in the first section, the speaker describes the body as being "refigured" by prayer. This image suggests that prayer has the power to transform the self into something new and different.
Later, in the second section, the speaker describes prayer as a way of "reaching out to what pierces us." This image creates a sense of vulnerability and openness, as the speaker suggests that prayer is a way of exposing oneself to the divine.
Finally, in the third section, the speaker describes prayer as a "conversation with the self." This image highlights the way that prayer can be a deeply personal and introspective experience.
Overall, the language of "Prayer" is highly poetic and evocative, creating a sense of mystery and wonder around the act of prayer.
Conclusion
"Prayer" is a powerful and deeply philosophical poem that explores the nature of prayer and its effects on the self. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and highly poetic language, the poem creates a sense of awe and wonder around the act of prayer. It raises important questions about faith, the nature of the divine, and the role that prayer plays in our lives. Ultimately, "Prayer" is a meditation on the complex and mysterious nature of the human soul and its connection to something greater than itself.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Prayer by Jorie Graham: An Analysis of the Classic Poem
Jorie Graham’s poem, Prayer, is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning in a world that seems to be constantly changing. The poem is a meditation on the nature of prayer, and how it can be used as a tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem, and how they contribute to its overall meaning.
The poem begins with a description of a woman who is praying. The woman is described as being “on her knees,” which immediately sets the tone for the poem. The act of kneeling is a symbol of humility and submission, which is a key aspect of prayer. The woman is also described as being “in the dark,” which suggests that she is searching for something that she cannot see. This is a common theme in prayer, as it is often used as a way to connect with a higher power or to seek guidance in times of darkness or uncertainty.
The poem then moves on to describe the woman’s surroundings. She is in a “room with no windows,” which creates a sense of isolation and confinement. This is a common theme in Graham’s poetry, as she often explores the idea of being trapped or confined in some way. The room is also described as being “full of light,” which is a paradoxical image. Light is usually associated with clarity and understanding, but in this case, it seems to be adding to the woman’s confusion and uncertainty.
The next stanza of the poem introduces the idea of language. The woman is described as “speaking in tongues,” which is a reference to the biblical story of Pentecost. In this story, the disciples of Jesus are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in different languages. This is seen as a symbol of the universality of the Christian message, as it can be understood by people from all over the world. In the context of the poem, however, the idea of speaking in tongues is more ambiguous. It could be seen as a symbol of the woman’s desperation, as she is trying to communicate with a higher power in a language that she does not fully understand.
The poem then moves on to describe the woman’s physical sensations. She is described as feeling “the weight of her body,” which suggests that she is aware of her physical presence in the world. This is a common theme in Graham’s poetry, as she often explores the relationship between the body and the mind. The woman is also described as feeling “the weight of her words,” which suggests that she is aware of the power of language. This is an important theme in the poem, as it suggests that prayer is not just a passive act of asking for help, but an active process of self-discovery and self-expression.
The next stanza of the poem introduces the idea of time. The woman is described as being “in the present tense,” which suggests that she is fully immersed in the moment. This is a common theme in Graham’s poetry, as she often explores the idea of being present in the moment and fully engaged with the world around us. The woman is also described as being “in the future tense,” which suggests that she is thinking about the future and what it might hold. This is an important theme in the poem, as it suggests that prayer is not just about seeking help in the present moment, but also about preparing for the future.
The poem then moves on to describe the woman’s emotions. She is described as feeling “fear and longing,” which are common emotions associated with prayer. Fear is often associated with the unknown and the uncertain, while longing is associated with a desire for something that is not yet present. These emotions are often present in prayer, as it is a way of seeking comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty and longing.
The final stanza of the poem introduces the idea of transformation. The woman is described as being “changed,” which suggests that prayer has had a transformative effect on her. This is an important theme in the poem, as it suggests that prayer is not just a passive act of asking for help, but an active process of self-discovery and transformation. The woman is also described as being “unrecognizable,” which suggests that prayer has changed her in a fundamental way. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that prayer has the power to transform us into something new and unknown.
In conclusion, Prayer by Jorie Graham is a powerful meditation on the nature of prayer and its transformative power. The poem explores themes of isolation, language, time, emotion, and transformation, and uses vivid imagery and language to create a powerful and evocative portrait of a woman in prayer. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the complexities of human existence and to offer insights into the nature of the human experience.
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