A Prayer - In The Prospect Of Death.

By Robert Burns

Lyric Poem
        O Thou unknown, Almighty Cause             Of all my hope and fear?         In whose dread presence, ere an hour             Perhaps I must appear!         If I have wander'd in those paths             Of life I ought to shun;         As something, loudly, in my breast,             Remonstrates I have done;         Thou know'st that Thou hast formed me,             With passions wild and strong;         And list'ning to their witching voice             Has often led me wrong.         Where human weakness has come short,             Or frailty stept aside,         Do Thou, All-Good! for such thou art,             In shades of darkness hide.         Where with intention I have err'd,             No other plea I have,         But, Thou art good; and goodness still             Delighteth to forgive.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a deeply introspective and reverent exploration of human fallibility, spiritual dread, and the hope for divine forgiveness. The poem's speaker addresses an "unknown, Almighty Cause," a clear reference to God or a higher power. The tone is solemn and urgent, reflecting the speaker's anxiety about their imminent reckoning with this divine entity.

The poem's structure, particularly its consistent rhyming couplets, adds a rhythmic regularity that seems to mimic the speaker's heartbeat or ticking clock, underscoring their sense of urgency. The use of archaic language contributes to the poem's overall solemn and reverential tone. The speaker acknowledges their "passions wild and strong" as a source of transgression, a confession that humanizes them and invites empathy from the reader. The poem's final lines pivot towards hope, suggesting that despite their failings, the speaker trusts in the inherent goodness of the divine to forgive. This gracefully shifts the tone from apprehensive self-examination to confident hopefulness. Overall, the poem is a poignant exploration of human frailty, divine judgment, and the redemptive power of forgiveness.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.