english-different ways to pray

There was a method of kneeling

The word method shows the sense of control

Hidden corners where knee fit rock.

Imperfections in the method

Their prayers were weathered rib bones

metaphor,suggests that these prayers are a vital part of their being.

There was…

There was…

Anaphora-shows that the methods aren’t all that different from each other

They walked like sheep

simile, the deep relationship between the people and the land/ communications with nature becomes a form of worship.

happy in spite of the pain

Juxtaposition-the immense pain of the shepherds is contrasted by a simple happiness of eating dinner, showing that gratitude and suffering can coexist.

wrapping themselves in new white linen

New,white linen-shows spiritual purity, this shows the devotion

Lugging water from the spring, or balancing the baskets of grapes

this shows that one’s spiritual meaning can be providing for others.

They prayed to Allah to mend their brains

This reflects their deep worry and sense of loss over a spiritual heritage. Thinking of the younger generations thoughts as brokenness.

He spoke with god as he spoke with the goats

This reinforces the poem’s theme that there is no single correct way to communicate with God.Fowzi’s simple,direct relationship with God is just as valid as more formal methods

The use of free verse

shows that there isn’t a rigid,single way to pray