Poem Analysis - Prayer Is The Little Implement

A Humble Tool for Divine Connection

Emily Dickinson's "Prayer is the Little Implement" presents prayer not as a grand ritual, but as a simple, almost mechanical tool. The poem is brief and direct, devoid of elaborate metaphors, fostering a tone of quiet practicality. It explores the act of prayer as a means of overcoming the distance between humanity and the divine, a humble attempt to reach a seemingly inaccessible "Presence." The mood remains consistent throughout, emphasizing the straightforward nature of the subject.

Bridging the Gap: Accessing the Divine

The central theme of the poem is the possibility of connecting with a higher power, even when that power seems distant or "denied." Dickinson uses the image of prayer as an "implement" to suggest that it is a tool for overcoming obstacles. This theme is developed through the simple, unadorned language of the poem, which reinforces the idea that prayer itself is unpretentious. The very act of "fling[ing]...Speech" toward "God's Ear" is presented as a practical step, a means of bridging the gap between human limitations and divine presence. The poem quietly asserts that communication with the divine is not impossible, merely requiring a deliberate, if humble, effort.

Prayer as a Metaphor for Human Effort

Dickinson employs the metaphor of an "implement" to represent prayer, which is crucial to understanding the poem. An implement suggests a tool used for a specific purpose, typically one that requires effort and precision. By likening prayer to such an object, Dickinson implies that it's not simply passive wishful thinking, but an active engagement with the divine. It's something "Men reach" through, something that facilitates a connection otherwise unattainable. The image evokes a sense of purposeful action, highlighting the conscious effort involved in the act of prayer. This down-to-earth portrayal demystifies prayer, presenting it as a tangible means to an end.

The Apparatus of Faith

The line "This sums the Apparatus / Comprised in Prayer" is particularly interesting. The word "Apparatus" reinforces the idea of a tool or mechanism, further grounding the abstract concept of prayer in concrete terms. It suggests that prayer, despite its spiritual nature, can be broken down into its essential components: the act of speaking, the hope of being heard. However, "Apparatus" is a somewhat unusual word choice, hinting at a complexity beneath the surface simplicity. It could also subtly suggest a sense of distance or detachment, as if prayer is a machine operating between humanity and God. This raises the question: Is Dickinson suggesting that even the most sincere prayer is, in some way, a mediated experience?

The Power in Simplicity

In conclusion, "Prayer is the Little Implement" offers a concise and powerful meditation on the nature of prayer. Dickinson masterfully uses simple language and a central metaphor to convey the idea that prayer is a tool, a deliberate act of reaching out to the divine. While the poem acknowledges the potential distance between humanity and God, it ultimately affirms the possibility of connection through this "little implement." The poem's significance lies in its ability to demystify prayer, presenting it as an accessible and essential aspect of the human experience.