Ash-Wednesday

T. S. Eliot's poem in six parts of a soul's turning toward faith and prayer, written after his conversion to the Church of England.

Start reading7 parts, about 1,600 words

Famous lines

• Because I do not hope to turn again
  Because I do not hope
  Because I do not hope to turn
  Desiring this man’s gift and that man’s scope
  I no longer strive to strive towards such things
  (Why should the agèd eagle stretch its wings?)
  Why should I mourn
  The vanished power of the usual reign?

  IIn context

  • Age
  • Hope

• Teach us to care and not to care
  Teach us to sit still.

  IIn context

  • Prayer

• The single Rose
  Is now the Garden
  Where all loves end

  IIIn context

  • Love

• Where shall the word be found, where will the word
  Resound? Not here, there is not enough silence.

  VIn context

  • Talking

Contents

1. Dedication
2. I
3. II
4. III
5. IV
6. V
7. VI