Denial-George Herbert

In the poem Denial by George Herbert, he discusses his doubtfulness in the existence of God. The tone of this piece is melancholic and defeated. Herbert discusses his desperate devotions to God that fall on his "silent ears". The moment when he needs God's guidance there seems to be no answer or "no hearing". Herbert uses the metaphor "My feeble spirit, unable to look right, like a nipped blossom, hung, discontented". He compares his weak spirit to a nipped blossom. Herbert's spirit is unsatisfied with his current circumstances just as a blossom would be if it were to be plucked. Herbert's poem also acts as another desperate call to God, as he asks God to waste no time and to mend his rime. Herbert's use of the word "rime" illustrates a wintry, dreary and depressing scene. Herbert seems to be desperate for God's assistance but has lost faith that he is listening to the cries.