Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


GRACE by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW MUCH, PREVENTING GOD! HOW MUCH I OWE
Last Line: HAD NOT THESE ME AGAINST MYSELF DEFENDED.
Subject(s): HOLIDAYS; THANKSGIVING;

How much, Preventing God! how much I owe
To the defences thou hast round me set:
Example, custom, fear, occasion slow; --
These scorned bondmen were my parapet.
I dare not peep over this parapet,
To gauge with glance the roaring gulf below,
The depths of sin to which I had descended,
Had not these me against myself defended.




Home: PoetryExplorer.net