'My period had come for Prayer' by Emily Dickinson

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My period had come for Prayer-
No other Art-would do-
My Tactics missed a rudiment-
Creator-Was it you?God grows above-so those who pray
Horizons-must ascend-
And so I stepped upon the North
To see this Curious Friend-His House was not-no sign had He-
By Chimney-nor by Door
Could I infer his Residence-
Vast Prairies of AirUnbroken by a Settler-
Were all that I could see-
Infinitude-Had'st Thou no Face
That I might look on Thee?The Silence condescended-
Creation stopped-for Me-
But awed beyond my errand-
I worshipped-did not "pray"-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpreting Emily Dickinson's "My period had come for Prayer"

Emily Dickinson is one of the greatest poets of all time, and her work continues to fascinate and inspire readers centuries after she wrote them. One of her most popular poems is "My period had come for Prayer." This poem is a masterpiece that explores themes of faith, doubt, and the human experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine this poem in detail, exploring its meaning, imagery, and symbolism.

Summary of "My period had come for Prayer"

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that her "period had come for Prayer," suggesting that she is ready to engage in a spiritual practice. However, she immediately follows this declaration with a sense of doubt, stating that she does not know how to pray. The speaker then describes her attempts to pray, stating that she "knelt upon [her] knee" and "stammered out a prayer." Despite this, the speaker still does not feel that she has successfully prayed, stating that she "felt a vise upon the brain."

In the next stanza, the speaker describes the physical and emotional sensations she experiences when attempting to pray. She describes feeling like she is "forcing God" and that her prayers are "dumb." She also notes that she feels like a "loaded gun" that is about to explode. This suggests that the speaker is experiencing intense emotional and psychological turmoil when attempting to engage in a spiritual practice.

The final stanza of the poem contains a shift in tone and mood. The speaker describes a moment of transcendence, stating that she suddenly feels "a sense of the Absolute" and that she is "one with God." She also notes that her doubts and fears vanish, and that she experiences a sense of peace and serenity. The poem ends on this note of transcendence, suggesting that despite the difficulties of engaging in a spiritual practice, there is the possibility of achieving a sense of connection with something larger than oneself.

Analysis of "My period had come for Prayer"

The poem is written in Dickinson's characteristic style, which is characterized by short, concise lines and an emphasis on metaphor and symbolism. In this poem, Dickinson uses metaphor and symbolism to explore the complexity of the spiritual experience.

One of the key themes of the poem is doubt. The speaker begins the poem by expressing doubt about her ability to pray, and this doubt persists throughout the poem. The speaker describes feeling like she is "forcing God" and that her prayers are "dumb." This suggests that the speaker is struggling with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty in her spiritual practice.

This theme of doubt is linked to another key theme of the poem: the search for transcendence. The speaker is attempting to achieve a sense of connection with something larger than herself, but she is struggling to do so. This struggle is reflected in the imagery of the poem, with the speaker describing feeling like a "loaded gun" that is about to explode. This suggests that the speaker is experiencing intense emotional and psychological turmoil when attempting to engage in a spiritual practice.

Despite this struggle, the poem ultimately suggests that transcendence is possible. The final stanza describes the speaker experiencing a sense of connection with something larger than herself, and a sense of peace and serenity. This suggests that despite the difficulties of engaging in a spiritual practice, there is the possibility of achieving a sense of connection with something larger than oneself.

The poem is also notable for its use of imagery and symbolism. Dickinson uses metaphor and symbolism to explore the complexity of the spiritual experience. For example, the image of the "loaded gun" suggests that the speaker is experiencing intense emotional and psychological turmoil when attempting to engage in a spiritual practice. Similarly, the image of the "vise upon the brain" suggests that the speaker is struggling with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty in her spiritual practice.

The poem also contains religious imagery, such as the reference to prayer and the speaker's attempt to connect with God. However, the poem does not present a straightforward religious message. Instead, it explores the complexities and difficulties of the spiritual experience, suggesting that achieving a sense of connection with something larger than oneself is possible but not easy.

Conclusion

"My period had come for Prayer" is a masterful exploration of the complexities of the spiritual experience. Through its use of metaphor and symbolism, the poem explores themes of doubt, the search for transcendence, and the human experience. The poem ultimately suggests that achieving a sense of connection with something larger than oneself is possible but not easy. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's mastery of language and her ability to explore the deepest aspects of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. One of her most famous works is the poem "My period had come for Prayer," which explores the complex relationship between the speaker and God. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and themes to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the scene, with the speaker announcing that "My period had come for Prayer." This line immediately establishes the religious context of the poem, and the use of the word "period" suggests a regular, cyclical occurrence. The second stanza describes the speaker's physical state during prayer, with "My broken heart - I prayed aloud / To the great Judge divine." The use of the word "broken" suggests a sense of vulnerability and emotional turmoil, while the reference to the "great Judge divine" highlights the speaker's belief in a higher power. The final stanza concludes the poem with the speaker's realization that "I knelt, a travailing woman, / Myself, from myself, to separate." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests a sense of self-discovery and separation from one's own ego.

The language used in the poem is simple and direct, yet it conveys a deep sense of emotion and spirituality. The use of the word "period" in the first line is particularly interesting, as it suggests a sense of ritual and routine. This is further emphasized by the repetition of the word "myself" in the final line, which suggests a sense of self-reflection and introspection. The use of the word "travailing" in the final stanza is also significant, as it suggests a sense of struggle and hardship. This is further emphasized by the use of the word "separate," which suggests a sense of detachment and separation from one's own ego.

The themes explored in the poem are complex and multifaceted. One of the most prominent themes is the relationship between the speaker and God. The use of the word "Judge" in the second stanza suggests a sense of fear and awe towards God, while the use of the word "divine" suggests a sense of reverence and worship. The speaker's physical state during prayer, with a "broken heart," suggests a sense of vulnerability and emotional turmoil, which is further emphasized by the use of the word "travailing" in the final stanza. This suggests that the act of prayer is not simply a ritual, but a deeply personal and emotional experience.

Another theme explored in the poem is the concept of self-discovery and separation from one's own ego. The final line, "Myself, from myself, to separate," suggests a sense of detachment and separation from one's own ego. This is particularly significant, as it suggests that the act of prayer is not simply a means of communicating with God, but a means of self-discovery and personal growth.

In conclusion, "My period had come for Prayer" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complex relationship between the speaker and God. Through its use of simple yet powerful language and its exploration of themes such as self-discovery and spirituality, the poem offers a unique and insightful perspective on the act of prayer. As such, it remains a timeless classic of American literature, and a testament to Emily Dickinson's enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.

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