Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Love of God" by Rosa Mulholland is a narrative poem that tells the story of Sister Mary of the Love of God, a wealthy young woman who leaves her life of luxury to dedicate herself to caring for the sick and poor. Through vivid imagery and rhythmic storytelling, the poem conveys themes of spiritual calling, self-sacrifice, and devotion.

Rosa Mulholland (also known as Lady Gilbert after her marriage), was born on October 19, 1841, in Belfast, Ireland, and died on April 21, 1921

The poem opens by describing a convent filled with joy, love, and healing, where the sick are tended to with compassion. The walls are covered with ivy, and the environment is alive with birds, flowers, and music. This idyllic setting becomes the backdrop for the tale of Sister Mary.

Sister Mary is initially portrayed as a carefree maiden, enjoying her wealth and status. Her life is filled with dancing, music, and laughter. However, a spiritual calling interrupts her comfortable existence. A bird sings a message to her, repeatedly asserting that "The Lord has need of thee!" This call is echoed in other aspects of her life, from the music of a minstrel to the clinking of wine glasses. The repeated phrase becomes an insistent, haunting refrain that she cannot escape.

Eventually, the call becomes too strong to ignore, and she embraces her calling by washing the feet of a beggar. Her transformation is so profound that her attendants believe she has gone mad. In the secrecy of the night, she leaves her old life behind and devotes herself to serving others.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. Though a hundred years have passed since Sister Mary's transformation, her legacy endures in the happiness and comfort she brought to others. Meanwhile, the worldly possessions she left behind have moved on to new owners, symbolizing the transience of material wealth.

"Love of God" is a beautifully rendered tale that speaks to the timeless and universal longing for spiritual fulfillment. Through the story of Sister Mary, Mulholland illustrates how a life dedicated to compassion and selflessness can transcend worldly pleasures and create a lasting impact on the lives of others. The rich language, compelling narrative, and underlying message of the poem contribute to its resonance and inspire contemplation of our own spiritual journeys and commitments.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...