A Prayer in Spring
By Robert Lee Frost
Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.
Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.
And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.
For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfil.
Poem Analysis:
Robert Frost's poem "A Prayer in Spring" is a beautiful invocation for simplicity, pleasure, and appreciation of nature during the season of spring. Let's delve into the poem's themes, structure, language, and imagery to uncover its deeper meanings.
Themes
- Pleasure in Nature: The poem begins with a plea for pleasure in the flowers and orchards of spring. It emphasizes the immediate joys of nature, contrasting them with worries about distant uncertainties (like the harvest). Frost celebrates the present moment, urging us to find happiness in the sights and sounds of spring.
- Simplicity and Contentment: Central to the poem is the desire to remain "here / All simply in the springing of the year." Frost advocates for a life uncluttered by future anxieties, urging us to appreciate the simplicity and purity of the natural world around us.
- Love and Divine Sanctification: The final stanza elevates the poem from a mere celebration of nature to a contemplation of love as a divine gift. Frost suggests that the love we find in nature is a reflection of a higher, sanctified love that God bestows upon us. He posits that fulfilling our appreciation of nature's beauty is a way of honoring this divine love.
Structure and Form
- Stanza Form: "A Prayer in Spring" consists of four quatrains (four-line stanzas), each with a regular rhyme scheme (AABB) and a consistent meter. This structured form gives the poem a rhythmic flow and enhances its lyrical quality, making it suitable for a prayer-like invocation.
Language and Imagery
- Visual and Sensory Imagery: Frost employs vivid imagery to evoke the sights and sounds of spring. He describes the orchard as "white" and compares it to "ghosts by night," highlighting its ethereal beauty. The "happy bees" and the "darting bird" add to the sensory richness of the poem.
- Symbolism: The blossoms, bees, and birds symbolize vitality, renewal, and the fleeting beauty of spring. The "meteor that thrusts in with needle bill" captures a moment of intense beauty and stillness, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of life and nature's delicate balance.
Tone and Mood
- Contemplative and Reverent: The tone of the poem is contemplative and reverent, akin to a prayer or a meditation on the wonders of nature. Frost's language is simple yet evocative, inviting readers to reflect on the profound connections between nature, love, and spirituality.
"A Prayer in Spring" by Robert Frost is a lyrical invocation that celebrates the beauty and serenity of the spring season while contemplating deeper themes of love and divine grace. Through its structured form, vivid imagery, and contemplative tone, Frost encourages us to find joy in the simple pleasures of nature and to recognize the profound love that permeates the natural world. The poem's final stanza elevates these earthly joys to a spiritual level, suggesting that appreciating nature's beauty is akin to fulfilling a divine purpose. In essence, "A Prayer in Spring" invites us to pause, appreciate, and find solace in the transient yet eternal beauty of the natural world.