A Grace

The poem is a short, religious invocation emphasizing humility, gratitude and hope. The theme revolves around recognizing divine grace and acknowledging human insignificance. The speaker expresses gratitude for the "temp'ral gifts," or earthly blessings, which they feel they scarcely deserve, underscoring a theme of unworthiness and humility. The tone is one of reverence and modesty, reflecting a deep sense of spiritual humility.

Structurally, the poem adheres to a tight, rhymed quatrain, a choice that lends a sense of order and simplicity. The poet's use of apostrophe in addressing the "Lord" directly is a standout literary device that heightens the sense of personal connection and intimacy between the speaker and the divine. In the final line, there's a shift as the speaker delegates the task of offering up the spirit to William Hyslop. This suggests a community of faith where responsibilities and roles are shared. It also introduces an element of hope and trust in others to carry on spiritual duties, reinforcing the themes of humility and gratitude. Overall, the poem provides a succinct yet profound meditation on faith, modesty, and communal responsibility.