Sisters of Mercy
Sisters of Mercy - meaning Summary
Comfort Amid Spiritual Loneliness
Cohen’s poem addresses a weary traveler who feels spiritually isolated. The speaker describes the "sisters of mercy" as compassionate figures who rescue him from despair, offer solace, and restore dignity without romantic attachment. The poem frames consolation as practical, gentle care that heals shame and loneliness and allows the traveler to continue. It balances gratitude and restraint, suggesting mercy can be intimate and sustaining without becoming conventional love.
Read Complete AnalysesOh the sisters of mercy, they are not departed or gone They were waitin' for me when I thought that I just can't go on And they brought me their comfort and later they brought me this song Oh I hope you run into them, you who've been travelling so long Yes you who must leave everything that you cannot control It begins with your family, but soon it comes round to your soul Well I've been where you're hanging, I think I can see how you're pinned: When you're not feeling holy, your loneliness says that you've sinned Well they lay down beside me, I made my confession to them They touched both my eyes and I touched the dew on their hem If your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn They will bind you with love that is graceful and green as a stem When I left they were sleeping, I hope you run into them soon Don't turn on the lights, you can read their address by the moon And you won't make me jealous if I hear that they sweetened your night: We weren't lovers like that and besides it would still be all right We weren't lovers like that and besides it would still be all right
Feel free to be first to leave comment.