Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

George Oppen's poem "Pro Nobis" is a deeply introspective reflection on the themes of apprenticeship, personal failure, and the universal need for grace or forgiveness at the end of life. Through a sparse and carefully constructed narrative, Oppen explores the tension between aspiration and reality, acknowledging the limitations of his own achievements and the inevitable conclusion of life.

The poem begins with a statement of belief: "I believe my apprenticeship / In that it was long was honorable." Here, Oppen reflects on his journey—his apprenticeship—as a process that, despite its length, was marked by integrity or worthiness. The use of the word "apprenticeship" suggests a period of learning, growth, and preparation, during which the speaker sought to develop skills, understanding, or perhaps a deeper sense of purpose. The length of this apprenticeship is noted as significant, implying that the speaker has spent much of his life in this process of becoming, yet it is the honorability of this effort that he emphasizes, rather than any particular success or mastery.

Oppen continues with an expression of hope and a stark acknowledgment: "Tho I had hoped to arrive / At an actuality / In the mere number of us / And record now / That I did not." These lines reveal a sense of unfulfilled aspiration. The speaker had hoped to achieve something concrete or "actual"—something that would resonate with or among "the mere number of us," suggesting a connection to the broader human community. The phrase "the mere number of us" could imply a sense of humility, recognizing the speaker as just one among many, or it could reflect a desire to contribute something meaningful to humanity as a whole. However, the speaker now acknowledges that this hoped-for actuality was not realized, that despite his long and honorable apprenticeship, he did not achieve the fulfillment or recognition he sought.

This admission of unfulfilled ambition leads to the poem's final lines: "Therefore pray for us / In the hour of our death indeed." This closing invocation introduces a profound sense of humility and vulnerability. The speaker, having admitted his shortcomings, turns to a universal plea for prayer, not just for himself but for all—"us"—in the moment of death. The phrase "in the hour of our death" echoes the traditional Catholic prayer "Hail Mary," particularly the line "pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death." By invoking this phrase, Oppen connects his personal reflection to a broader spiritual and existential context, acknowledging the shared human need for grace, mercy, or understanding as we face the finality of life.

"Pro Nobis" can be seen as an expression of the poet's recognition of his own limitations and the acceptance of life's inevitable conclusion. The poem moves from a reflection on the honorable nature of his life's work—despite its lack of the desired "actuality"—to a broader, more inclusive prayer for all humanity. The simplicity and directness of the language underscore the sincerity of the speaker's reflection and the depth of his acceptance.

In this poem, Oppen captures the universal experience of striving for meaning and accomplishment, coupled with the recognition that not all aspirations will be realized. The final plea for prayer in the "hour of our death" serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the ultimate need for compassion and grace as we confront the limitations of our lives. Through "Pro Nobis," Oppen offers a meditation on the dignity of effort, the inevitability of failure, and the enduring hope for peace or redemption at the end of life.

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