Before an Altar
(After Gneudecourt)
By Edwin John Dove Pratt
Break we the bread once more,
The cup we pass around —
No, rather let us pour
This wine upon the ground;
And on the salver lay
The bread — there to remain.
Perhaps, some other day,
Shrovetide will come again.
Blurred is the rubric now,
And shadowy the token,
When blood is on the brow,
And the frail body broken.
Poem Analysis:
Edwin John Dove Pratt's poem "Before an Altar" is a contemplative and introspective reflection on the ritual of communion and the symbolism associated with the bread and wine. Through its somber tone and evocative imagery, the poem delves into themes of sacrifice, redemption, and spiritual disillusionment. Let's explore the themes, imagery, and underlying messages conveyed in Pratt's verses.
Subversion of Ritual
The poem begins with a subversion of the traditional Christian ritual of communion, where bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ. Pratt suggests a departure from this sacred act by rejecting the consumption of the wine and instead pouring it upon the ground. This act of defiance challenges the conventional understanding of communion and calls into question its significance in the face of spiritual disillusionment.
Symbolism of Sacrifice
Central to "Before an Altar" is the theme of sacrifice, as symbolized by the bread and wine. Pratt juxtaposes the pouring of wine upon the ground with the laying of bread on a salver, suggesting a contrast between waste and preservation. The act of pouring wine upon the ground evokes imagery of spilled blood and suggests a rejection of sacrificial offerings. Pratt's use of religious symbolism underscores the theme of sacrifice as a central aspect of Christian theology, while also questioning its efficacy in addressing human suffering and spiritual longing.
Spiritual Disillusionment
Throughout the poem, Pratt conveys a sense of spiritual disillusionment and ambiguity. The blurred rubric and shadowy token symbolize a loss of clarity and certainty in religious rituals and symbols. The mention of blood on the brow and the frail body broken evokes images of suffering and mortality, highlighting the fragility of human existence and the limitations of religious doctrine in providing solace or redemption. Pratt's exploration of spiritual disillusionment reflects a broader skepticism towards organized religion and its ability to address the complexities of human experience.
"Before an Altar" by Edwin John Dove Pratt is a thought-provoking and introspective poem that challenges traditional notions of religious ritual and symbolism. Through its subversion of the communion ritual, exploration of sacrifice, and depiction of spiritual disillusionment, the poem raises questions about the nature of faith, redemption, and human suffering. Pratt's evocative imagery and somber tone invite readers to contemplate the complexities of religious belief and the search for meaning in a world marked by uncertainty and doubt. Ultimately, "Before an Altar" serves as a meditation on the mysteries of faith and the enduring quest for spiritual fulfillment.
