Still Heart
Still Heart - meaning Summary
Surrender and Patient Waiting
The speaker accepts the futility of struggling to control life and deliberately surrenders agency to a beloved force—addressed alternately as "my heart" and "my lord." After repeated failed efforts (lamps blown out), they resolve to stop striving, sit quietly in darkness, and wait patiently for that presence to arrive and take the helm. The poem centers on yielding, humility, and trust in quiet reception.
Read Complete AnalysesWhen I give up the helm I know that the time has come for thee to take it. What there is to do will be instantly done. Vain is this struggle. Then take away your hands and silently put up with your defeat, my heart, and think it your good fortune to sit perfectly still where you are placed. These my lamps are blown out at every little puff of wind, and trying to light them I forget all else again and again. But I shall be wise this time and wait in the dark, spreading my mat on the floor; and whenever it is thy pleasure, my lord, come silently and take thy seat here.
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