'Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations' by Anne Bradstreet
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By night when others soundly slept,
And had at once both case and rest,
My waking eyes were open kept
And so to lie I found it best.
I sought Him whom my soul did love,
With tears I sought Him earnestly;
He bowed His ear down from above.
In vain I did not seek or cry.
My hungry soul He filled with good,
He in His bottle put my tears,
My smarting wounds washed in His blood,
And banished thence my doubts and fears.
What to my Savior shall I give,
Who freely hath done this for me?
I'll serve Him here whilst I shall live
And love Him to eternity.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations by Anne Bradstreet
Have you ever read a poem that resonates so deeply with you that you feel like the poet is speaking directly to your soul? That is exactly how I felt when I read Anne Bradstreet's collection of poems, Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations.
Before delving into the interpretation and literary criticism of these poems, let's take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of Anne Bradstreet. She was a Puritan woman living in the 17th century, a time when women's voices were largely silenced. Yet, Bradstreet managed to break through those barriers with her extraordinary poetry that was both intellectual and emotional.
Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations is a collection of poems that Bradstreet wrote during her time in the New World. The poems reflect her experiences as a woman in a new and unfamiliar land, her faith in God, and her personal struggles with illness and loss.
The Poems
The collection consists of twenty-six poems, each one more beautiful and thought-provoking than the next. Bradstreet's use of language is exquisite, and her ability to weave together complex emotions and ideas in a single poem is nothing short of genius.
One of my favorite poems in the collection is "In Memory of My Dear Grandchild Elizabeth Bradstreet, Who Deceased August, 1665, Being a Year and Half Old." This poem is Bradstreet's elegy for her granddaughter who passed away at a young age. The poem is filled with grief and sadness, yet there is also a sense of hope and faith in God's plan.
Bradstreet writes, "Farewell dear babe, my heart, this sigh must be/ Thy epitaph in lines to shadow thee." It's a heart-wrenching moment, but Bradstreet also finds comfort in knowing that her granddaughter is now in a better place, free from the pain and struggles of this world.
Another poem that struck a chord with me is "Before the Birth of One of Her Children." In this poem, Bradstreet reflects on the uncertainty and fear that comes with childbirth. She writes, "How soon, my Dear, death may my steps attend,/ How soon't may be thy lot to lose thy friend."
As someone who has experienced the fear and uncertainty of childbirth, this poem really resonated with me. Bradstreet's honesty and vulnerability in this poem is both refreshing and relatable.
Themes
As with any collection of poetry, there are several themes that run throughout Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations. One of the most prominent themes in the collection is faith. Bradstreet was a devout Christian, and her faith is evident in many of her poems.
In "Deliverance from a Fit of Fainting," Bradstreet writes, "And when I hope to take my latest breath,/ I then shall think upon thy love and death;/ And by that hope, Sweet Savior! Comfort draw,/ And stay my soul from fainting in thy law."
The poem is a reflection on Bradstreet's near-death experience and how her faith in God helped her pull through. It's a powerful reminder of the strength and comfort that can come from faith.
Another theme that runs throughout the collection is the experience of women. Bradstreet was a woman living in a time when women's voices were often silenced or ignored. Yet, she managed to use her poetry to give voice to the experiences of women.
In "A Dialogue between Old England and New," Bradstreet writes, "I am obnoxious to each carping tongue/ Who says my hand a needle better fits." The poem is a reflection on the challenges that women faced in Bradstreet's time, and it's a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of women.
Interpretation
So, what is the meaning behind Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations? That's a difficult question to answer because the collection is so rich and complex. However, I believe that at its core, the collection is about the human experience.
Bradstreet writes about love, loss, grief, faith, and the struggles of life. Her poetry is a reflection on what it means to be human and how we can find meaning and purpose in a world that is often unpredictable and difficult.
In "To My Dear and Loving Husband," Bradstreet writes, "If ever two were one, then surely we." The poem is a celebration of love and the connection between two people. It's a reminder that even in the midst of struggles and difficulties, love can bring us together and give us hope.
Literary Criticism
From a literary standpoint, Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations is a masterpiece. Bradstreet's use of language is exquisite, and her ability to weave together complex emotions and ideas in a single poem is nothing short of genius.
One of the things that stands out about Bradstreet's poetry is her use of metaphors and imagery. In "The Author to Her Book," she compares her book to a child, writing, "I cast thee by as one unfit for light,/ The visage was so irksome in my sight."
The metaphor is both powerful and relatable, and it's a testament to Bradstreet's skill as a poet.
Another aspect of Bradstreet's poetry that is worth noting is her use of rhyme and meter. Her poetry is structured and rhythmic, and it's clear that she took great care in crafting each line and stanza.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations is a collection of poetry that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. Bradstreet's ability to capture the human experience in her poetry is nothing short of remarkable, and her use of language and imagery is exquisite.
Whether you're a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates beautiful writing, I highly recommend taking the time to read this collection. It's a true masterpiece of literature, and it's a testament to the power of human emotion and experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Bradstreet’s “Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations” is a collection of poems that showcases her exceptional talent as a poet. The poems are a reflection of her personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Bradstreet’s poetry is characterized by her use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and religious themes. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in the poems and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the collection.
The first poem in the collection, “The Prologue,” sets the tone for the rest of the poems. Bradstreet acknowledges the challenges she faces as a female poet in a male-dominated society. She writes, “I am obnoxious to each carping tongue/ Who says my hand a needle better fits.” Bradstreet is aware of the criticism she faces for pursuing poetry instead of more traditional female roles. However, she is determined to continue writing and sharing her thoughts and experiences with the world.
The second poem, “Contemplations,” is one of the longest and most complex poems in the collection. It is a reflection on nature and the beauty of the world. Bradstreet uses vivid imagery to describe the natural world, such as “The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks/ They are all fire and every one doth shine.” She also uses religious themes to connect the beauty of nature to God’s creation. Bradstreet writes, “O how canst thou renounce, and hope to be forgiven/ The sins against thy Maker and thyself in sinning?” This line suggests that the beauty of nature is a reflection of God’s grace and that humans should be grateful for it.
The third poem, “The Author to Her Book,” is a reflection on the process of writing and publishing. Bradstreet compares her writing to a child that she has birthed prematurely. She writes, “I washed thy face, but more defects I saw/ And rubbing off a spot still made a flaw.” This line suggests that Bradstreet is not entirely satisfied with her work and that she wishes she had more time to perfect it. However, she also acknowledges that her work is now out in the world and that she must accept it for what it is.
The fourth poem, “The Flesh and the Spirit,” is a dialogue between two sisters, one representing the flesh and the other representing the spirit. The poem explores the conflict between the physical and spiritual aspects of life. The flesh sister represents worldly desires and pleasures, while the spirit sister represents a higher calling. Bradstreet writes, “My silks, my fine array, my jewels rich and rare/ Who would not praise the sweet and comely parts?” This line suggests that the flesh sister is focused on material possessions and external beauty. In contrast, the spirit sister values inner beauty and spiritual fulfillment.
The fifth poem, “The Four Elements,” is a reflection on the natural world and the four elements that make it up: earth, air, fire, and water. Bradstreet uses vivid imagery to describe each element, such as “The fire, air’s servant, doth his power extend/ As both in one, each other doth befriend.” This line suggests that the elements are interconnected and dependent on each other. Bradstreet also uses religious themes to connect the elements to God’s creation, writing, “Thus all agree, yet all differ in this/ The golden sun gives his celestial kiss.”
The sixth poem, “The Vanity of All Worldly Things,” is a reflection on the fleeting nature of worldly possessions. Bradstreet writes, “All things within this fading world hath end/ Adversity doth still our joys attend.” This line suggests that nothing in the world is permanent and that humans must accept the impermanence of life. Bradstreet also uses religious themes to suggest that humans should focus on spiritual fulfillment rather than worldly possessions.
The seventh poem, “An Elegy Upon the Death of My Dear and Ever Honoured Mother,” is a tribute to Bradstreet’s mother, who passed away in 1643. Bradstreet writes, “Thou hast left behind thee such a store/ As all the world besides could not afford.” This line suggests that Bradstreet’s mother was a remarkable woman who left a lasting impact on those around her. The poem is a reflection on the grief and loss that Bradstreet feels after her mother’s death.
The eighth poem, “A Dialogue Between Old England and New,” is a reflection on the differences between England and the New World. Bradstreet compares the two places, writing, “Old England sighs, farewell, thy glory’s fled/ I do not envy thy great pomp, O dead.” This line suggests that Bradstreet sees the New World as a place of opportunity and growth, while England is a place of stagnation and decline.
In conclusion, Anne Bradstreet’s “Here Follow Several Occasional Meditations” is a collection of poems that showcases her exceptional talent as a poet. The poems are a reflection of her personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Bradstreet uses vivid imagery, metaphors, and religious themes to explore a variety of themes, including nature, writing, spirituality, and grief. The collection is a testament to Bradstreet’s resilience and determination to pursue her passion for poetry despite the challenges she faced as a female writer in a male-dominated society.
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