Poem Analysis - Morning Prayer

Initial Impression and Tone

Ogden Nash's Morning Prayer presents a lighthearted yet reflective tone, capturing the speaker's morning thoughts and resolutions. The poem begins with a sense of tranquility and gratitude, as the speaker wakes up to a new day. There is a shift in mood when the speaker recalls their promises made the previous night, acknowledging the difficulty of keeping such vows. The tone remains conversational and humble, reflecting the speaker's sincere yet playful approach to their morning prayer.

Themes of Reflection and Resolution

The poem explores several themes, with reflection and resolution being the most prominent. The speaker reflects on the previous night's promises, acknowledging the ease of making vows when asleep. This reflection leads to a resolution to try and keep these promises during the day. The use of simple, everyday language and the conversational tone make these themes accessible and relatable. The speaker's humility and honesty in acknowledging their struggles add depth to the theme of resolution, making it a genuine and heartfelt endeavor.

Imagery of Sleep and Waking

The imagery of sleep and waking is central to the poem. The speaker describes sleep as sweet and waking as pleasant, setting a peaceful and content mood. This imagery contrasts with the speaker's acknowledgment of the difficulty in keeping vows when awake. The childlike innocence associated with sleep symbolizes the ease of making promises, while the reality of waking life represents the challenge of maintaining them. This contrast highlights the speaker's awareness of their own fallibility and the struggle between idealism and reality.

Symbolism of the Morning Prayer

The morning prayer itself serves as a symbol of the speaker's daily attempt at self-improvement. It represents a moment of introspection and a commitment to better behavior. The prayer is addressed to a higher power, suggesting a sense of accountability and guidance. The speaker's use of the phrase "for your dear sake" indicates a desire to please and honor this higher power, adding a layer of devotion and sincerity to the prayer. This symbolism underscores the theme of resolution, as the speaker seeks to align their actions with their promises.

Conclusion

Morning Prayer by Ogden Nash offers a candid and relatable exploration of the human struggle to keep promises and maintain resolutions. Through its lighthearted tone and vivid imagery, the poem captures the speaker's sincere efforts to improve themselves. The themes of reflection and resolution are beautifully intertwined, creating a poignant and accessible narrative. The poem's significance lies in its universal appeal, reminding readers of the daily battles we face in staying true to our commitments and the importance of humility and honesty in this journey.