Lord, in My Heart
Lord, in My Heart - meaning Summary
Forgiveness Tested by Anger
The poem contrasts biblical imagery and childhood moral teaching with a speaker’s candid admission of inner violence. Recalling haloes, Meshach and Abednego, and the Golden Rule, the voice tests whether true Christian patience could withstand personal injury. The poem moves from devotional language to a stark, ironic confession: despite being taught forgiveness, the speaker fears — and finally admits — they would retaliate, exposing moral tension between belief and impulse.
Read Complete AnalysesHoly haloes Ring me round Spirit waves on Spirit sound Meshach and Abednego Golden chariot Swinging low I recite them in my sleep Jordan's cold and briny deep Bible lessons Sunday school Bow before the Golden Rule Now I wonder If I tried Could I turn my cheek aside Marvelling with afterthought Let the blow fall saying naught Of my true Christlike control And the nature of my soul Would I strike with rage divine Till the culprit fell supine Hit out broad all fury red Till my foes are fallen dead Teachers of my early youth Taught forgiveness stressed the truth Here then is my Christian lack: If I'm struck then I'll strike back.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.