Prayer Under Gray Skies
The poem is a prayer for rain to wash away the grayness that has beset the world. The speaker describes the sky as heavy with pain and the days on earth as worthless. They pray for rain to come and sweep away the stagnation, even if it means destroying the seeds and blossoms of May. The rain is desired to rise the rivers and wash away the sickness and sadness that has settled over the people. Ultimately, the speaker asks God to open the floodgates and bring an end to the gray skies, bringing sunshine again.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1904 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama · 357 words
First lines
O God, let there be rain! Rain, till this sky of gray That covers us every day Be utterly wept away, Let there be rain, we pray, Till the sky be washed blue again Let there be rain!
O God, let there be rain, For the sky hangs heavy with pain, And we, who walk upon earth, We find our days not of worth; None blesses the day of our birth, We question of death's day in vain, -- Let there be rain!
What this Textopian page supports
Prayer Under Gray Skies is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edith Nesbit, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 357 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Prayer Under Gray Skies by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Religious Fiction — The narrative revolves around spiritual themes and prayer, making it a primary genre.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context are based on a specific historical period.
- Drama — The plot involves intense conflicts and emotional situations.
Tags
Christian Fiction · Religious Themes · Victorian Era · British Literature · Classic Novel · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Women Authors · Children's Literature · Moral Guidance · Spiritual Journey · Personal Growth