Mattins Poem by George Herbert

Mattins

Rating: 3.5


I cannot ope mine eyes,
But thou art ready there to catch
My morning-soul and sacrifice:
Then we must needs for that day make a match.

My God, what is a heart?
Silver, or gold, or precious stone,
Or star, or rainbow, or a part
Of all these things or all of them in one?

My God, what is a heart?
That thou should'st it so eye, and woo,
Pouring upon it all thy art,
As if that thou hadst nothing else to do?

Indeed man's whole estate
Amounts (and richly) to serve thee:
He did not heav'n and earth create,
Yet studies them, not him by whom they be.

Teach me thy love to know;
That this new light, which now I see,
May both the work and workman show:
Then by a sun-beam I will climb to thee.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Indira Renganathan 05 February 2010

An ambitious poem rightly pleading to the Lord.... 'Teach me thy love to know; That this new light, which now I see, May both the work and workman show: Then by a sun-beam I will climb to thee....very lovable words from an ancestral poet of 16th to 17th century

5 5 Reply
Joseph Poewhit 05 February 2010

Herbert brings to light the conflict of worldly treasure and the calling of heavenly treasures.Bringing to mind that, yea, cannot serve mammon and GOD at the same time.

4 4 Reply
Jenel Shain 05 February 2010

wow, powerful, really turns my heart.

4 4 Reply
Kevin Straw 05 February 2010

Beautifully written, but addressing the religionists who believe in its theology. Why are there so many religious poems in this slot?

4 4 Reply
Terence George Craddock 05 February 2010

I cannot ope mine eyes, But thou art ready there to catch My morning-soul and sacrifice: Is this not beautiful? God eagerly waiting to embrace, his soul his heart each morning. A heart described in metaphor so descriptively. A heart eager to be taught and know God's love with each new light, a heart wanting to climb up to God upon a sun-beam.

6 2 Reply
Joshua Adeyemi 12 April 2017

First questioning God for the gravity of love he bestows of men. And in progression make request to God, praying that he will climb to him oneday. Great piece!

0 0 Reply
Onyeka Ajah 05 February 2014

He did not heav'n and earth create yet studies them, not him by whom they be.... This is so true, everyday we have men straining to discover more about creation yet so blind about d creator!

4 0 Reply
Schuyler Allen 05 February 2012

Your poems inspire me so much :)

7 0 Reply
Manonton Dalan 05 February 2012

reading poem like this on sunday morning is very good start for me as christian. yes, teach me thy love to know so i won't be lost among genius of your flock. md

9 1 Reply
BreOnna Schneck 05 February 2010

It shows not only religious beliefs but the truth of it through words. I myself am religious and this poem describes what many may feel. Don't be put out by what others criticize on your beliefs.

6 1 Reply
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George Herbert

George Herbert

Montgomery, Wales
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