Poem Analysis - What I Know Of God Is This

Introduction: A Skeptical Plea for Connection

Milton Acorn's "What I Know Of God Is This" is a short, yet deeply personal reflection on faith and doubt. The poem presents a speaker grappling with uncertainties about God's nature, particularly omnipotence, while simultaneously clinging to a tangible experience of divine presence. The tone is a blend of skepticism and fervent desire, shifting from uncertain observation to a direct plea. Ultimately, the poem reveals a yearning for continued connection and reassurance in the face of profound existential questions. The simplicity of language belies the complexity of the speaker's internal struggle.

Historical Context: Acorn's Rebel Spirit

While specific historical events might not directly inform this poem, understanding Milton Acorn's background as a working-class Canadian poet and a political radical is relevant. Acorn, who was once named "The People's Poet," often challenged established norms and institutions. This rebellious spirit likely informs his questioning attitude towards traditional religious concepts. He was known for his accessible style and his focus on the experiences of ordinary people, which is reflected in the poem's direct language and the speaker's humble request for continued divine touch.

Theme 1: The Paradox of Faith and Doubt

A central theme is the inherent tension between faith and doubt. The speaker readily admits, "I can testify to nothing else," except the experience of being touched. This highlights the inadequacy of intellectual understanding or traditional religious dogma in proving God's existence. The line, "And I have doubts of Your omnipotence," directly confronts a core tenet of many faiths. However, this doubt doesn't lead to complete rejection. Instead, it fuels a plea for the continuation of the speaker's personal, experiential relationship with God. The poem, therefore, illustrates the human struggle to reconcile doubt with a deeply felt need for connection and meaning.

Theme 2: The Tangibility of Divine Presence

The poem emphasizes the importance of tangible experience over abstract belief. The phrase "He touches me" is repeated and given prominence, suggesting that the speaker's faith is rooted in a physical or sensory awareness of God. This contrasts sharply with the "unseen beings" the speaker perceives, drawing a distinction between that which is believed but not felt and that which is known through direct experience. The poem elevates the personal and experiential, making it the foundation of a fragile but deeply cherished faith. The request to "Keep on existing / Keeping Your hands. Continue to touch me" underlines the centrality of this tangible connection. This emphasis on physical touch suggests a need for reassurance and comfort in the face of uncertainty.

Theme 3: Hope and Desperation

Another notable theme is the delicate balance between hope and desperation. The line "Last of our hopes when all hope's past" positions God as a final recourse. However, it is qualified with a warning: "God, never let me call on Thee / Distracting myself from a last chance." This seemingly paradoxical statement suggests a fear that relying on divine intervention might prevent the speaker from seizing opportunities within reach. The speaker appears to want God present, without intervening, as if to keep the possibility of hope alive without surrendering agency and real life chances. The desperation in this hope is palpable, illustrating a speaker caught between surrender and self-reliance.

Symbolism: The Significance of "Hands"

The recurring image of God's "hands" serves as a powerful symbol of tangible, personal connection. Hands are associated with both creation and compassion. The "touch" of God’s hands is not just a physical sensation; it symbolizes comfort, guidance, and perhaps even divine intervention. However, the specificity of "hands" also humanizes God, making the divine more relatable and less abstract. This humanization aligns with the speaker's struggle to reconcile doubt with faith. The phrase "Keeping Your hands" further implies a hope that even in the face of doubt, God will not withdraw this crucial connection, suggesting a fragile but vital link to the divine.

Conclusion: A Personal Faith in the Face of Uncertainty

In conclusion, "What I Know Of God Is This" is a poignant exploration of faith, doubt, and the human need for connection. Milton Acorn crafts a personal and accessible meditation on spirituality, focusing on the tangible experience of divine presence rather than abstract theological concepts. The poem's power lies in its honesty and vulnerability, capturing the speaker's struggle to reconcile uncertainty with a deep yearning for reassurance. The recurring image of God's "hands" symbolizes this essential connection, offering a glimpse into a faith that persists despite profound doubt. The poem ultimately highlights the enduring human need for meaning and connection, even in the face of existential questions that defy easy answers.