“Drained of faith, I kneel and hail thee as my Lord,I ask not life, thou need not swerve the bullet,I ask but strength to ride the wave, andone more thing, teach me to hate”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote by Joyce Shaughnessy, the speaker expresses feelings of desperation and hopelessness. By saying they are "drained of faith," the speaker indicates that they have lost their belief in a higher power or greater purpose. They then go on to ask for strength to endure life's challenges and to learn how to hate. This desire to hate seems to reflect a deep-seated anger or resentment that the speaker is struggling to understand and control. Overall, the quote conveys a sense of internal turmoil and emotional conflict.
Modern Relevance
In this powerful poem by Joyce Shaughnessy, the speaker expresses a deep sense of despair and emptiness, seeking strength and guidance in the face of hardship. The plea to be taught how to hate may seem jarring, but it speaks to the complexity of human emotions and the desire for a release from suffering. In today's world, where individuals may be facing personal struggles or societal injustices, this poem resonates as a reminder of the importance of resilience and the need to find ways to navigate adversity.
Poetic Example
In this haunting excerpt from Joyce Shaughnessy's poem, the speaker expresses a deep sense of desperation and disillusionment, pleading for strength to endure life's challenges and even asking to be taught how to hate.
Reflection Questions:
This powerful poem by Joyce Shaughnessy raises deep questions about faith, strength, and the complexity of human emotions. Reflecting on these themes can lead to personal growth and understanding. Consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to be "drained of faith" and to "ask not life" in this context? How do these sentiments relate to your own experiences and beliefs?
- The speaker asks for strength to "ride the wave" and requests to be taught how to hate. How do these contrasting desires coexist within the same individual? How do you interpret this juxtaposition?
- How do you understand the speaker's plea to be taught how to hate? How does this request challenge traditional notions of love and compassion?
- Reflect on the idea of kneeling and hailing a higher power while expressing such intense emotions. What does this suggest about the relationship between spirituality and inner turmoil?
- How does this poem resonate with you on a personal level? What emotions or insights does it evoke, and how might you apply them to your own life journey?
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