Evening Hymn of the Reverend Eli Jenkins
The poem is a meditation on mortality and the passing of time. It explores the speaker's relationship with God and the universe, expressing a sense of awe and reverence for the mysteries of existence. The tone is contemplative and introspective, with a focus on the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death. The poem's structure and language are characterized by a musical quality, with a emphasis on rhythm and cadence that creates a sense of hypnotic repetition. This serves to underscore the speaker's emotional state, which is one of quiet reflection and acceptance in the face of mortality. Throughout the poem, there is a tension between the desire for transcendence and the acknowledgment of human limitations. The speaker grapples with the idea of an afterlife, questioning whether it is possible to continue existing beyond the confines of the physical world. Ultimately, the poem presents a vision of the universe as vast and unknowable, with humanity reduced to a small but significant part within it. This perspective encourages the reader to consider their own place in the grand scheme of things, and to confront the reality of their own mortality.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1946 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Pastoral · 152 words
First lines
Every morning when I wake, Dear Lord, a little prayer I make, O please to keep Thy lovely eye On all poor creatures born to die.
And every evening at sun-down I ask a blessing on the town, For whether we last the night or no I'm sure is always touch-and-go.
We are not wholly bad or good
Who live our lives under Milk Wood, And Thou, I know, wilt be the first, To see our best side, not our worst.
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Evening Hymn of the Reverend Eli Jenkins is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dylan Thomas, dated 1946 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Dylan Thomas
- Date: 1946 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Pastoral, Philosophical
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality typical of poetry.
- Religious — The content includes prayers and references to divine blessings, indicating a religious theme.
- Pastoral — The poem reflects on the lives of people in a small town, invoking a sense of community and rural life.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life and mortality, suggesting a philosophical undertone.
Tags
Poetry · Wales · Autobiographical · Spiritual · Meditative · Reflective · Nature · Faith · Existential · Philosophical · Psychological · Stream-of-consciousness