What prayers does Dylan Thomas offer at the end of “Poem in October?
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Answer
What prayers does Dylan Thomas offer at the end of “Poem in October?” [NU: 2015, 20] ★★★
At the end of “Poem in October” (written in 1944), Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) turns his thoughts into a kind of prayer. After spending his thirtieth birthday walking in nature and remembering his childhood, he feels deep joy. His wishes, his joy, and his truest feelings will stay alive on his next birthday.
Prayer for Joy and Truest Feelings: At the end of the poem, the poet prays:
“O may my heart’s truth
Still be sung
On this high hill in a year’s turning.”
This means he hopes that one year later, he will still feel the same joy and truest feelings in his heart. It is the poet’s thirtieth birthday. Early in the October morning, he wakes up and walks in the countryside. He hears and sees the sounds and beauty of nature. He hears the sound of boats, all the sea birds, and forest birds. He also sees a hunting heron dive into the water. Then he climbs up a nearby hill and sees the bright sunlight. From the height, the faraway town looks tiny. He sees apples, pears, and red currants. Nature reminds him of the joy of childhood summers. He remembers walking with his mother. Standing on a high hill in beautiful nature, the poet feels the same joy he felt as a child.
Prayer for Continuity: It is bright sunlight on the hilltop, just like a summer day. The leaves on the trees in the town below are turning Autumnal red. The poet feels joy and true feelings in nature. He wishes to have the same joy in the future years, too.
In short, the poet prays that the joy, truth, and sense of wonder he feels in nature will remain with him in the future years.