ANGEL (Poem by Duncan Campbell Scott)

Duncan Campbell Scott's poem "Angel" is a poignant exploration of solace and healing in times of grief and sorrow. Through vivid imagery and ...
Poem Examples

ANGEL
By Duncan Campbell Scott

Come to me when grief is over,
    When the tired eyes,
Seek thy cloudy wings to cover
    Close their burning skies.

Come to me when tears have dwindled
    Into drops of dew,
When the sighs like sobs re-kindled
    Are but deep and few.

Hold me like a crooning mother,
    Heal me of the smart;
All mine anguish let me smother
    In thy brooding heart.

Poem Analysis:

Duncan Campbell Scott's poem "Angel" is a poignant exploration of solace and healing in times of grief and sorrow. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Scott delves into the universal experience of seeking comfort and reassurance amidst life's trials and tribulations.

Invocation of the Angel: The poem opens with an invocation to the angelic presence, a symbol of divine comfort and solace. The speaker calls out to the angel, expressing a deep longing for relief from the burden of grief and suffering. This invocation sets the tone for the poem's exploration of emotional healing and spiritual renewal.

Imagery of Grief and Sorrow: Scott vividly portrays the emotional landscape of grief and sorrow, describing tired eyes seeking respite and burning skies yearning for the soothing embrace of clouds. The imagery of tears dwindling into drops of dew and sighs rekindled as deep and few evokes a sense of emotional exhaustion and vulnerability.

Symbolism of Motherhood: The speaker compares the angel's nurturing presence to that of a "crooning mother," highlighting the archetype of maternal comfort and protection. This imagery underscores the angel's role as a source of solace and healing, offering tender care and unconditional support to those in need.

Healing and Reconciliation: Central to the poem is the theme of healing and reconciliation in the aftermath of grief. The speaker implores the angel to hold them close and heal their pain, seeking refuge in the angel's "brooding heart." This desire for emotional restoration reflects the human need for connection and compassion in times of suffering.

The Power of Divine Grace: Ultimately, "Angel" speaks to the transformative power of divine grace and compassion in the face of adversity. The angel represents a transcendent presence capable of offering comfort, understanding, and healing to the wounded soul. Through the imagery of nurturing and maternal love, Scott emphasizes the profound impact of divine intervention on the human spirit.

In conclusion, Duncan Campbell Scott's "Angel" is a lyrical meditation on the universal quest for solace and healing in times of grief. Through its evocative imagery and heartfelt invocation, the poem invites readers to contemplate the restorative power of divine grace and the enduring promise of hope and renewal in the midst of suffering.

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