Prayer by Hilda Doolittle (1912)
The poem explores the speaker's relationship with a divine presence, describing it as a source of comfort and solace. The speaker expresses gratitude for this presence, which they believe has guided them through difficult times. The tone is one of reverence and humility, with the speaker acknowledging their own limitations and dependence on the divine.
By Hilda Doolittle · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist, Religious · 254 words
First lines
White, O white face -- from disenchanted days wither alike dark rose and fiery bays: no gift within our hands, nor strength to praise, only defeat and silence; though we lift hands, disenchanted, of small strength, nor raise branch of the laurel or the light of torch, but fold the garment on the riven locks, yet hear, all-merciful, and touch the fore-head, dim, unlit of pride and thought, Mistress -- be near! Give back the glamour to our will, the thought; give back the tool, the chisel; once we wrought things not unworthy, sandal and steel-clasp; silver and steel, the coat with white leaf-pattern at the arm and throat: silver and metal, hammered for the ridge of shield and helmet-rim; white silver with the dark hammered in, belt, staff and magic spear-shaft with the gilt spark at the point and hilt.
What this Textopian page supports
Prayer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Hilda Doolittle, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Hilda Doolittle
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Modernist, Religious, Symbolism
- Length: 254 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Prayer by Hilda Doolittle
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Prayer?
- How does this poem by Hilda Doolittle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Their Faces Shone Under Some Radiance by Dylan Thomas
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- Song by Edna St Vincent Millay
- All All And All by Dylan Thomas
- Hearing Your Words by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Modernist — The themes of disillusionment and introspection align with Modernist literary characteristics.
- Religious — The invocation of a 'Mistress' and the plea for divine intervention suggest religious undertones.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like 'white face,' 'torch,' and 'laurel' convey deeper meanings beyond their literal sense.
Tags
Poetry · Spirituality · Meditation · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Personal · Introspective · Emotional · Vulnerable