Easter Wings

"The Altar" by George Herbert (1633)

Like “Easter Wings,” this is a pattern poem. The 16 lines are arranged on the printed page to resemble an altar or communion table, although at least one commentator says it more closely resembles a place where a pagan sacrifice might be made. In the poem, the poet offers his heart to the Lord.

"Denial" by George Herbert (1633)

In this lyric poem, the poet expresses his despair that God is not responding to his prayers, however many times he utters them. As in “Easter Wings,” he is conscious of his sinful state and longs for salvation. He appeals again to be heard. In the first five of the six five-line stanzas, the last two lines do not rhyme. The disorder in the poet’s mind and heart is thus reflected in the form of the poem. In the last stanza, he once again appeals to God to respond to him, and states that a restored harmony in their relations will be reflected in the proper rhyming of his verse, so that God’s favor and “[…] my mind may chime, /And mend my rhyme” (Lines 29-30).

"Vision and Prayer" by Dylan Thomas (1945)