Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Prayer" is a poem by Jorie Graham, first published in 1983 in her collection "Hybrids of Plants and Ghosts." The poem is written in free verse and consists of four stanzas.

Explanation::

The poem describes a woman leaning over a dock railing and looking out at the water. As she observes the water, she contemplates the nature of time and the impermanence of all things. The woman is both present in the moment and connected to the past and future. The poem ends with an image of the woman's reflection in the water, suggesting a merging of the self and the environment.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: Time, impermanence, connection to the environment
• Imagery: Water, reflection, dock railing
• Tone: Contemplative, reflective
• Sound: Rhythm and repetition create a meditative quality
• Language: Complex and layered, exploring the nuances of the woman's thoughts and emotions
• Figurative language: Metaphors and similes are used to describe the woman's observations and internal reflections
• Structure: Four stanzas with varying line lengths and no set rhyme scheme
• Symbolism: The water and reflection symbolize the impermanence of all things and the merging of the self and the environment
• Emotion: The poem evokes a sense of contemplation and connection to the natural world.

Conclusion:

"Prayer" is a poignant exploration of the nature of time and our connection to the environment. Graham's use of imagery and figurative language creates a vivid and meditative experience for the reader, while the structure of the poem reflects the fluidity of the water and the passing of time. The poem invites us to contemplate our own relationship to the natural world and the impermanence of all things.

Poem Snippet:

"Here the water lights on the underside of the railing

Inscribe with its untraceable arc

The eastering ultimate of water

And time become perfect, the two converging finally."

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