Prayer

“The Sunday News” by Dana Gioia (1983)

In contrast to “Prayer,” this poem shows Gioia’s fondness for rhyme and is written in an ABCB scheme. However, the poem resembles “Prayer” in that it deals with loss and the passage of time, although its tone is less grave. The speaker looks back on an old relationship after reading about their former lover’s marriage in the newspaper. Although the speaker feels envy, they still save the announcement to cling to the past. Even though the announcement is “[a] scrap I knew I wouldn’t read again / yet couldn’t bear to lose” (Lines 19-20).

“The Gods of Winter” (1987)

This poem appears in The Gods of Winter, in the same section in which “Prayer” appears. It also involves grief, and it notes the passage of time and the arbitrary moment “one still winter must / arrive without us” (Lines 21-22). The speaker reflects that “our life together” (Line 7) was the “briefest of joys” (Line 7), which was “no more permanent / for being perfect” (Lines 9-10). Much of the same language and imagery is used in this poem as in “Prayer,” including whispers and deities.

“Majority” by Dana Gioia (2009)