The teacher should read the poem aloud, to awaken respect for the deep humility, complete open-mindedness, and growing faith of the poet.
What may this poem be called? A prayer for guidance.
Stanza I
What are the poet's feelings? He feels very much depressed in spirit, as a traveller would who was far from home and alone in the gathering darkness.
Whom does he address as "Kindly Light"? Why does he use the term "Light"? He may remember that our Saviour called Himself "the Light of the world", and it is as his "Light" or Guide that the traveller feels his need of Him. He may be thinking of the Pillar of Fire and the Pillar of Cloud.
What image is suggested by the words "Lead, kindly Light"? It suggests something that has life (moves on before), and sheds a beneficent light on the travellers' path.
What is meant by the "gloom"? It means the condition of his mind. He is seeking Truth and feels that he cannot rely on reason alone to guide him.
What do the last two lines show about him? They show that he is humble and is content to be guided through the darkness "one step" at a time.
Stanza II
What more do we learn about his life in the second stanza? In what language is his former "pride" contrasted with his present humility? What is the meaning of "garish"? What part of his life is called "the garish day"? Why is it so called?