prayer

Prayer
by Galway Kinnell

Whatever happens. Whatever
what is is is what
I want. Only that. But that.

I really like poem because of its profound philosophy on life expressed in 14 words. Not to mention the use of the word “is” three times in a row and still having the poem make sense. I remember reading this poem over several times, figuring out the correct places to place stress. Kinnell says that “whatever happens” will happen, with or without a reason or for a purpose or not. The next line makes sense when read the right way, “what is”, or in other words the present, “is”. And that is what he wants. He is content and accepts this fact. Furthermore, he expresses that he wants “only that” although it is something that he cannot control.

The only contrast within the flow of the poem seems to be the word “but”. It seems as if Kinnell wants to say more, or maybe even contradict himself. The poem seems incomplete in a way, but I think “but” reinforces the meaning of the poem. Simply, just let everything happen the way it should.