The Prayer of Miriam Cohen
The poem presents a prayer that reflects the speaker's deep yearning for divine protection and guidance amidst the chaos and suffering of life. It expresses a desire to be shielded from the harsh realities of existence, including the violence of rulers and the burdens of war. The speaker implores for a separation from the overwhelming truths of the universe, fearing that such knowledge could lead to despair or madness. The imagery evokes a sense of vulnerability, emphasizing the fragility of human life and the need for a protective barrier between the divine and the mortal realm. The speaker seeks to avoid the weight of existential truths that could disrupt their peace of mind. The repeated plea for a veil suggests a longing for ignorance regarding the harshness of fate and the unknown. Throughout the work, themes of faith, protection, and the struggle against the harshness of reality are prevalent. The speaker's relationship with the divine is characterized by a mix of reverence and fear, highlighting the complexities of belief in a world filled with suffering. The prayer serves as a poignant reminder of the human desire for safety and understanding in the face of life's uncertainties.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 178 words
First lines
From the wheel and the drift of Things Deliver us, Good Lord, And we will face the wrath of Kings, The faggot and the sword!
Lay not Thy Works before our eyes, Nor vex us with Thy Wars, Lest we should feel the straining skies O'ertrod by trampling stars.
Hold us secure behind the gates Of saving flesh and bone, Lest we should dream what dream awaits The soul escaped alone.
Thy Path, Thy Purposes conceal From our beleaguered realm, Lest any shattering whisper steal Upon us and o'erwhelm.
What this Textopian page supports
The Prayer of Miriam Cohen is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1935 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Historical, Literary Fiction
- Length: 178 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing rhythm and meter to convey its themes.
- Religious — The content reflects themes of prayer, divine intervention, and the human relationship with God.
- Philosophical — The text explores existential themes and the nature of existence and suffering.
- Historical — The references to kings and historical struggles suggest a backdrop of historical context.
Tags
prayer · Miriam Cohen · Rudyard Kipling · spirituality · faith · suffering · divine protection · human struggle · existentialism · mysticism · poetry · religion