At Last

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Narrative Poem
    Into a temple vast and dim,     Solemn and vast and dim,     Just when the last sweet Vesper Hymn          Was floating far away,     With eyes that tabernacled tears --     Her heart the home of tears --     And cheeks wan with the woes of years,          A woman went one day.     And, one by one, adown the aisles,     Adown the long, lone aisles,     Their faces bright with holy smiles          That follow after prayer,     The worshipers in silence passed,     In silence slowly passed away;     The woman knelt until the last          Had left her lonely there.     A holy hush came o'er the place,     O'er the holy place,     The shadows kissed her woe-worn face,          Her forehead touched the floor;     The wreck that drifted thro' the years --     Sin-driven thro' the years --     Was floating o'er the tide of tears,          To Mercy's golden shore.     Her lips were sealed, they could not pray,     They sighed, but could not pray,     All words of prayer had died away          From them long years ago;     But ah! from out her eyes there rose --     Sad from her eyes there rose --     The prayer of tears, which swiftest goes          To Heaven -- winged with woe.     With weary tears, her weary eyes,     Her joyless, weary eyes,     Wailed forth a rosary; and her sighs          And sobs strung all the beads;     The while before her spirit's gaze --     Her contrite spirit's gaze --     Moved all the mysteries of her days,          And histories of her deeds.     Still as a shadow, while she wept,     So desolately wept,     Up thro' the long, lone aisle she crept          Unto an altar fair;     "Mother!" -- her pale lips said no more --     Could say no more --     The wreck, at last, reached Mercy's shore,          For Mary's shrine was there.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem explores themes of repentance, solitude, and the transformative power of faith, all set within the solemn atmosphere of a vast, dim temple. The poet utilizes repetition to enhance the somber tone, echoing phrases like "vast and dim," "home of tears," and "Mercy's golden shore" throughout the stanzas, which also serves to emphasize the protagonist's despair and longing for redemption.

The structure of the poem, with its consistently rhythmed lines and rhymes, mirrors the ceremonial nature of the religious setting, while the narrative development provides an absorbing storyline, guiding the reader through the woman's journey from despair to hopeful redemption. Notably, the poet makes effective use of personification and simile, describing the woman's tears as a rosary and her eyes as a prayer, lending a tangible quality to her emotional and spiritual struggle. The strength of her silent prayer is underscored by the repeated motif of silence and solitude, suggesting the profundity of her penitence and faith. The conclusion, where the woman reaches "Mercy's shore," offers a note of resolution and hope, suggesting that her silent, tearful prayer has been heard and answered.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.