A Mortul Prayer
The poem explores the idea of a mortal's prayer to be spared from death and suffering. The speaker expresses their desire for eternal life, free from pain and hardship. They plead with a higher power to grant them this wish, citing their good deeds and virtues as justification. However, the tone is one of desperation and self-pity, rather than genuine devotion or faith.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1874 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Inspirational, Lyric Poetry · 355 words
First lines
Oh! Thou that vaileth from all eyes The glory of Thy face, And setteth throned behind the skies In Thy abiding-place: Though I but dimly recko'nize Thy purposes of grace; And though with weak and wavering Deserts, and vexd with fears, I lift the hands I can not wring All dry of sorrow's tears, Make puore my prayers that daily wing Theyr way unto Thy ears!
What this Textopian page supports
A Mortul Prayer is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1874 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1874 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Inspirational, Lyric Poetry, Devotional
- Length: 355 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- In Vain by Emily Dickinson
- Lay This Laurel On The One by Emily Dickinson
- At Least To Pray Is Left Is Left by Emily Dickinson
- Compensation by Emily Dickinson
- Hymn by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Relic by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem is a prayer addressing a divine entity, expressing themes of grace, redemption, and spiritual reflection.
- Inspirational — The poem seeks personal growth, peace, and love for fellow humans, aiming to inspire readers towards self-improvement and compassion.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's structure and emotional expression align with the characteristics of lyric poetry, focusing on personal feelings and thoughts.
- Devotional — The content is centered around devotion and supplication to a higher power, typical of devotional literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mortality · Religion · Spirituality · Philosophy · Existentialism · Death · Afterlife · Faith · Doubt