Kevin Vargas
George Helbert, a highly faithful Christian, wrote two poems titled “The Altar” and “Easter Wings.” In “The Altar” the speaker is talking to the lord through an implied broken Altar while in “Easter Wings” the speaker is directs his attention to the lord directly. “The Altar” creates a stronger poem due to the better uses of its thematic development.
A man kneeled downed as if he punched the floor. Readers can visualize a terrified and remorse man in “The Altar” as this depressed state is felt through the whole poem. The rhymed couplet upon the first to fourth line explains the care and work upon the altar. Rears, as the realization of the broken stone, tears, as the realization, frame, as the displayed work, and same as the uniqueness of the altar. This format of rhyming couplets is held throughout the poem. Two couplets are followed in chunks of four lines. Additionally, in each chunk, the diction and thoughts of the speaker changes. For example, the introduction featured the speaker in remorse, followed by reflection, then through disappointment as the speaker questions the level of worship being worthy, and finally a worthy follower.
“Easter Wings” contains a modified version of his rhyme schemes. Instead of using a direct sequential rhyme, a rhyme is used every other line. It enabled Herbert to produce a different kind of experience in which the tone of the poem is constant. The meter can be easily spotted in comparison to “The Altar.” Repeated low then true accents are more concise.
Till he became
Most poore:
With thee (lines four through six)
The tone of hope is felt with “victory” and “affliction shall advance the flight in me.” Also to note is the second stanza where the speaker talks about their sickness and their old age. This is important because the entire poem itself looks like a minute sand timer. In other words, the speaker is running out of time.
Is an existential crisis more elaborate than of a remorse worshiper? “Easter Wings” may contain universal thought of pleading for more or better use of time. In theory, it is what most individuals would want. However, It is a different scenario to plead to be worthy of the lord through the single symbolical object of a broken altar. I say, the progress of thought is more effective in providing readers a better christian message about moving on with their lives when the lord is upon them.
That is what I find more unique and of a stronger essence in the two poems. (The Altar wins for me)
Introduction to Poetry 