'Praying Drunk' by Andrew Hudgins

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The Alsop Review1991Our Father who art in heaven, I am drunk.
Again. Red wine. For which I offer thanks.
I ought to start with praise, but praise
comes hard to me. I stutter. Did I tell you
about the woman, whom I taught, in bed,
this prayer? It starts with praise; the simple form
keeps things in order. I hear from her sometimes.
Do you? And after love, when I was hungry,
I said,

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Praying Drunk: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression

Poetry has always been a medium of artistic expression that has the power to touch the deepest corners of our hearts and souls. It is a form of literature that is not only beautiful but also meaningful, and it has the power to express complex emotions and ideas in a few words. One such masterpiece of poetic expression is "Poetry, Praying Drunk" by Andrew Hudgins. This poem is a work of art that captures the essence of human life, mortality, and faith in a poetic manner that is both moving and inspiring.

The Poem's Structure

"Poetry, Praying Drunk" is a poem that is structured in a unique way. It is composed of 18 stanzas, each of which consists of four lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. The structure of the poem is simple yet effective, and it allows the reader to focus on the content of the poem rather than its form.

The Poem's Meaning

The poem "Poetry, Praying Drunk" is a reflection on the human condition, mortality, and faith. The poem begins with the speaker observing a man who is drunk and praying. The speaker then reflects on his own life and mortality, and how he too will one day face death. The poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the importance of faith in the face of death.

One of the most striking things about the poem is how it expresses the idea that life is fleeting and that death is inevitable. The speaker reflects on how, despite our best efforts, we cannot escape death. This theme is expressed in the lines, "We live knowing we will die, / but not knowing when, and not / wanting to know, because if we knew, / anguish would strangle joy."

Another theme that is present in the poem is the importance of faith in the face of death. The speaker reflects on how faith can provide comfort and solace in times of distress. This theme is expressed in the lines, "Faith, too, is of the flesh, / the body's certainty that even as we die, / something in us lives on, some spirit / that will never be quenched."

The poem also touches on the idea that poetry is a form of prayer. The speaker reflects on how poetry can be a form of communication with a higher power. This theme is expressed in the lines, "Poetry is prayer, and we all / pray to something. Even if we don't / call it that. We pray to whatever / makes us feel less alone."

The Poet's Style

Andrew Hudgins is a master of poetic expression, and his style is evident in "Poetry, Praying Drunk." Hudgins uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his ideas. For example, in the lines, "He prays for the drunk and sober dead, / and for himself, who will be one, / and for the one who brings him home, / and he prays for God, who knows why," the speaker uses the metaphor of prayer to convey the idea that we are all connected in our mortality.

Hudgins also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and to emphasize his themes. For example, in the lines, "We live knowing we will die, / but not knowing when, and not / wanting to know, because if we knew, / anguish would strangle joy," the repetition of the phrase "not knowing" emphasizes the theme of uncertainty and the fear of death.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Praying Drunk" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that captures the essence of human life, mortality, and faith. The poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the importance of faith in the face of death. Andrew Hudgins' style is both vivid and powerful, and his use of imagery and repetition creates a sense of rhythm that emphasizes the poem's themes. "Poetry, Praying Drunk" is a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Praying Drunk: A Masterpiece of Confessional Poetry

Andrew Hudgins' Poetry Praying Drunk is a masterpiece of confessional poetry that explores the themes of faith, doubt, and redemption. The poem is a personal reflection on the speaker's struggle with alcoholism and his search for spiritual meaning in his life. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Hudgins creates a deeply moving and honest portrayal of the human condition.

The poem begins with the speaker's confession of his addiction to alcohol. He describes himself as a "drunkard" who has "wasted his life on wine." The language is stark and unapologetic, reflecting the speaker's sense of shame and guilt. He acknowledges that his addiction has caused him to lose everything that is important in life, including his family, his health, and his self-respect.

Despite his despair, the speaker is not without hope. He turns to poetry as a means of expressing his innermost thoughts and feelings. He sees poetry as a way of connecting with the divine, of reaching out to something greater than himself. He writes, "I pray to the Muse, to the God of poetry, / to the God of wine, to the God of drunkenness." This prayer is a plea for inspiration, for guidance, for a way out of his darkness.

The poem then shifts to a series of vivid images that capture the speaker's sense of alienation and despair. He describes himself as a "ghost" who wanders through the world, disconnected from everything around him. He sees himself as a "wreck" who has lost his way and is adrift in a sea of confusion. These images are powerful and haunting, evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation that is palpable.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to explore his relationship with God. He acknowledges his doubts and his fears, but he also expresses a deep sense of longing for something greater than himself. He writes, "I want to believe in God, / in a God who loves me, who forgives me, / who will save me from myself." This desire for redemption is a central theme of the poem, and it is what gives the speaker hope in the face of his addiction.

The poem then turns to a series of powerful metaphors that capture the speaker's sense of spiritual longing. He compares himself to a "thirsty man" who is searching for water in a desert. He sees himself as a "pilgrim" who is on a journey to find his way home. These metaphors are rich and evocative, and they capture the speaker's sense of yearning and desperation.

The poem then shifts to a series of images that capture the speaker's sense of awe and wonder at the world around him. He describes the beauty of the natural world, the majesty of the stars, and the mystery of the universe. These images are powerful and moving, and they capture the speaker's sense of awe and wonder at the world around him.

As the poem draws to a close, the speaker reflects on his journey and his search for meaning. He acknowledges that he has made mistakes, that he has lost his way, but he also expresses a deep sense of gratitude for the moments of grace that he has experienced. He writes, "I thank God for the moments of grace, / for the moments of clarity, for the moments of peace." These moments of grace are what give the speaker hope, and they are what allow him to continue his journey.

In conclusion, Poetry Praying Drunk is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of faith, doubt, and redemption. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Hudgins creates a deeply personal and honest portrayal of the human condition. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to express the deepest parts of ourselves, and it is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope.

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