A Prayer in Spring Poem Summary Class 9 English

A Prayer in Spring is a sweet and lovely poem in the syllabus of class 9 English written by the famous poet Robert Frost who has well written some of the most famous poems like "The road not Taken" and "The Birches." While the speaker is praying to God in the poem, he also tells his audience to enjoy "the springing of the year."

About Robert Frost

Robert Frost was an American Poet well known for the most lyrical and introspective verse and poetic styles written in all American styles of Literature. He was awarded four times for his fantastic and well-emerged nature as the Pulitzer prize honor. He mainly wrote about rural life, human existence, nature, and its causes.

Summary of the poem

Stanza 1

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

The lines you've quoted are from the poem "A Prayer in Spring" by Robert Frost. In this poem, Frost expresses a prayer-like sentiment and captures the essence of spring while highlighting the importance of living in the present moment. Let's break down these lines in detail:

"Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today": Frost begins by appealing to a higher power or the divine, asking for the ability to find joy and delight in the beauty of flowers present in the immediate moment. This line reflects his appreciation for the simple and natural aspects of life.

"And give us not to think so far away": Frost suggests that he does not want to be preoccupied with distant concerns or worries about the future. Instead, he desires to remain fully present in the current experience and not let his thoughts wander too far ahead.

"As the uncertain harvest" refers to the uncertainty and unpredictability of the future harvest, a metaphor for the uncertain outcomes and events that lie ahead in life. Frost is asking not to be burdened by anxieties about the future.

"Keep us here All simply in the springing of the year": Here, Frost requests to be kept in the present, to fully embrace and appreciate the freshness and renewal that spring brings. He emphasizes the simplicity and vitality of this season, urging himself and others to focus on the beauty and potential of the present moment.

These phrases communicate a sense of attentiveness and thankfulness, encouraging the reader to appreciate life's minor joys, find refuge in nature, and avoid getting caught up in anxieties about the future. Frost's poetry style is distinguished by his use of imagery and his ability to express the core of the human experience in simple language.

Stanza 2

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;."

In these lines, Frost expresses a prayer or a plea for a specific pleasure in the orchard. The phrase "orchard white" suggests the image of a blooming orchard filled with white blossoms. The color white symbolizes purity, beauty, and new beginnings. The poet wishes for a unique pleasure that surpasses any other experience during the day. The comparison to ghosts by night adds an ethereal quality to the desired pleasure. It implies a sense of enchantment, mystery, and the otherworldly.

"And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees."

In these lines, Frost extends the request for pleasure to include the presence and activities of the bees in the orchard. The poet seeks happiness in observing the bees and their actions. The term "happy bees" suggests the idea of perseverance, harmony, and the joy of nature's processes. "swarm" refers to a large group of bees, and "dilating" means expanding or spreading out. This phrase describes the bees moving and buzzing around the "perfect trees" in the orchard. The mention of "perfect trees" highlights the beauty and serenity of the natural world.

So, these lines reflect the poet's yearning for a profound and unique experience of pleasure in the orchard. Frost's vivid imagery, comparisons, and descriptions of nature create a sense of enchantment and a celebration of the beauty and harmony found in the natural world.

Stanza 3

" And make us happy in the darting bird

Suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid-air stands still."

In this paragraph, the speaker, likely Robert Frost, describes a particular aspect of their environment that brings happiness. The speaker mentions a "darting bird" that suddenly becomes audible above the buzzing sound of bees. The word "darting" implies that the bird moves quickly and erratically. At first, the bird may seem like any ordinary small and fast-moving bird.

However, in the following line, the speaker describes the bird's "bill" as a "needle." This indicates that the bird being observed is likely a hummingbird. Hummingbirds are known for their long, thin beaks that resemble needles. The mention of the bird's needle-like bill adds specificity and detail to the description, helping to paint a clearer picture of the scene.

The speaker emphasizes the bird's presence by noting that it can be heard over the buzzing of the bees. This suggests that the bird's sound stands out in the environment, catching the speaker's attention and contributing to the overall ambiance of the scene. The contrast between the bees' loud buzzing and the darting bird's delicate sound creates a sense of minimalism and beauty.

This paragraph captures the speaker's observation of a darting bird with a needle-like bill, likely a hummingbird, that stands out amidst the buzzing bees. This detail adds to the imagery and sensory experience conveyed in the poem, enhancing its overall effect.

Stanza 4

For this is love, and nothing else is love,

The which it is reserved for God above

To sanctify to what far ends, He will,

But it only needs that we fulfill.

In this paragraph, the speaker discusses the concept of love and its association with the delights of spring. The speaker believes love is a unique and extraordinary phenomenon, and nothing else can compare to it. They suggest that love is reserved for God to bless and consecrate for whatever purpose He desires. However, the speaker emphasizes that love only requires us to fulfill its essence.

The speaker's reason for sharing the delights of spring with those around them is explained in the fourth stanza. They view spring's lovely elements, like flowers, birds, and bees, as expressions of love. The poet asserts that these items are unparalleled in the world in terms of their beauty and the delight they impart.

The speaker admits that they and those around them might not wholly comprehend many facets of the world. They mention a quote from the Bible that suggests certain things are reserved for God alone. However, the speaker takes these delights of spring and uses them for their interests. They believe that despite the complexity of the world, the simple joy that spring and its offerings bring can be readily appreciated and enjoyed by everyone.

Analysis

A Prayer in Spring" is a poem written by Robert Frost. It captures the beauty and tranquility of springtime while reflecting on the human desire for connection and blessings from a higher power. Let's analyze the poem in detail.

The poem begins with a plea or prayer for pleasure in the flowers of the present day. The speaker asks for a focus on the immediate beauty and joy of the spring season. They desire to remain present rather than worry about uncertainties and future harvests. There is a yearning for simplicity and appreciation of the current season.

The speaker continues their prayer, asking for pleasure in the white blossoms of the orchard. They describe the orchard as an ethereal place, comparing it to ghosts that appear at night. The happiness of the bees, as they busily move around the blossoming trees, is also mentioned. The speaker seeks to find happiness in the harmony and natural cycles of the orchard.

Next, the speaker requests happiness in observing the swift and agile bird, which appears suddenly above the buzzing bees. They describe the bird as a meteor, swiftly diving in with its needle-like bill to pluck a blossom from a tree and momentarily freeze in mid-air. The beauty and grace of this moment are highlighted, and the speaker hopes to find joy in such fleeting but captivating instances.