Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXVII - Thanksgiving After Childbirth

Author: William Wordsworth

Woman! the power who sways the heart of man,
In every change, by every law sustain’d,
Be with thee in thy weakness, and impart
The strength that can sustain the feeble frame.
Mother of men! O, blest above the rest,
O, blest beyond all measure, be the day
When thou shalt lay thy first-born in the grave,
With hopes undying that shall bear thee up.
As angels are the ministers of Heaven,
And their sweet influence maketh Heaven itself
More fair, so thou art to the human race;
And through thy faithful prayers, and holy trust,
Shall come the world’s salvation, and the soul
Of man, born into bliss, shall live for ever.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Childbirth, Thanksgiving, Motherhood

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from Part III of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on the act of Thanksgiving after Childbirth. The poem honors the role of women in sustaining life, celebrating their strength and the hope they embody for future generations, while acknowledging the divine support that carries them through the challenges of motherhood.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.