Feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple

By Abram Joseph Ryan

Narrative Poem
    The priests stood waiting in the holy place,          Impatient of delay          (Isaiah had been read),     When sudden up the aisle there came a face          Like a lost sun's ray;          And the child was led     By Joachim and Anna. Rays of grace      Shone all about the child;     Simeon looked on, and bowed his aged head --      Looked on the child, and smiled.     Low were the words of Joachim. He spake          In a tremulous way,          As if he were afraid,     Or as if his heart were just about to break,          And knew not what to say;          And low he bowed his head --     While Anna wept the while -- he, sobbing, said:      "Priests of the holy temple, will you take     Into your care our child?"     And Simeon, listening, prayed, and strangely smiled.     A silence for a moment fell on all;          They gazed in mute surprise,          Not knowing what to say,     Till Simeon spake: "Child, hast thou heaven's call?"          And the child's wondrous eyes          (Each look a lost sun's ray)     Turned toward the far mysterious wall.      (Did the veil of the temple sway?)     They looked from the curtain to the little child --     Simeon seemed to pray, and strangely smiled.     "Yes; heaven sent me here. Priests, let me in!"          (And the voice was sweet and low.)          "Was it a dream by night?     A voice did call me from this world of sin --          A spirit-voice I know,          An angel pure and bright.     `Leave father, mother,' said the voice, `and win';          (I see my angel now)          `The crown of a virgin's vow.'     I am three summers old -- a little child."     And Simeon seemed to pray the while he smiled.     "Yes, holy priests, our father's God is great,          And all His mercies sweet!          His angel bade me come --     Come thro' the temple's beautiful gate;          He led my heart and feet          To this, my holy home.     He said to me: `Three years your God will wait          Your heart to greet and meet.'          I am three summers old --          I see my angel now --          Brighter his wings than gold --          He knoweth of my vow."     The priests, in awe, came closer to the child --     She wore an angel's look -- and Simeon smiled.     As if she were the very holy ark,          Simeon placed his hand          On the fair, pure head.     The sun had set, and it was growing dark;          The robed priests did stand          Around the child. He said:     "Unto me, priests, and all ye Levites, hark!          This child is God's own gift --          Let us our voices lift     In holy praise." They gazed upon the child     In wonderment -- and Simeon prayed and smiled.     And Joachim and Anna went their way --          The little child, she shed          The tenderest human tears.     The priests and Levites lingered still to pray;          And Simeon said:          "We teach the latter years     The night is passing 'fore the coming day          (Isaiah had been read)     Of our redemption" -- and some way the child     Won all their hearts. Simeon prayed and smiled.     That night the temple's child knelt down to pray          In the shadows of the aisle --          She prayed for you and me.     Why did the temple's mystic curtain sway?          Why did the shadows smile?          The child of Love's decree     Had come at last; and 'neath the night-stars' gleam     The aged Simeon did see in dream     The mystery of the child,     And in his sleep he murmured prayer -- and smiled.     And twelve years after, up the very aisle          Where Simeon had smiled          Upon her fair, pure face,     She came again, with a mother's smile,          And in her arms a Child,          The very God of grace.     And Simeon took the Infant from her breast,          And, in glad tones and strong,          He sang his glorious song     Of faith, and hope, and everlasting rest.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This lengthy narrative poem is rich in religious and spiritual undertones, depicting a poignant story that fuses elements of faith, sacrifice, and prophecy. The central themes span devotion, spiritual calling, and divine intervention, wrapped in an air of sacred mystery and reverence.

The poem's structure is well-developed, with a clear narrative arc that progresses from the introduction of the child to the temple, to her eventual return as a mother. Allusions to biblical figures and events, such as Isaiah, Joachim, Anna, and Simeon, along with references to temple rituals, imbue the poem with a strong sense of spirituality and historical context. The repeated image of Simeon smiling adds a sense of gentle approval and divine blessing to the proceedings.

The tone of the poem is solemn, reverential, and tender, reflecting the awe and respect of the characters towards the child and her divine mission. The use of language is evocative and emotive, painting vivid images of the scene and stirring emotions in the reader. Notable literary devices include personification, metaphor, and symbolism. The child is portrayed as a 'lost sun's ray,' symbolizing her divine origin and mission. The swaying of the temple curtain, the 'angel's look' on the child's face, and the dreamlike quality of Simeon's visions further enhance the mystical atmosphere of the poem.

In conclusion, this poem masterfully combines narrative storytelling with rich spiritual themes, creating a moving depiction of faith and divine intervention. It offers readers a window into a deeply reverential world, leaving them with lingering thoughts on the power of faith and the mysteries of divine calling.

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.