# Song of the Lonely explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

A solitary speaker expresses deep homesickness and longing for the divine Father's presence, seeking shelter and comfort from the cold and fear of the world, and yearning for the eternal gathering of God's children.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Fatherhood

The speaker directly addresses God as 'Father' and 'loving Father', seeking warmth and shelter beside the Father's chair.

### Longing for Immortality

The poem expresses a deep homesickness for the divine home and a yearning for the 'endless marriage-feast', reflecting a desire for eternal union.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who voices homesickness and a plea for divine shelter.

### God

Addressed as 'Lord of splendour' and 'loving Father', the one whose countenance and presence are sought.

## Key lines

> Hide me from the tempest’s chiding Warm beside the Father’s chair.

Protect me from the harshness of the storm by letting me rest safely near the Father's throne.

_The speaker seeks refuge from life's difficulties in the comforting presence of God._

> I am homesick, Lord of splendour! Twilight fills my soul with fright: Let thy countenance befriend her, Shining from the halls of light.

I long for home, glorious Lord; the darkness of evening terrifies my soul: May your face shine upon me from your radiant heavenly dwelling.

_The speaker expresses fear of spiritual darkness and pleads for the illuminating and reassuring presence of God._

> Soon, oh soon! thy children gather To the endless marriage-feast.

May it be soon that all your children come together for the eternal celebration of union with you.

_The speaker yearns for the final gathering of believers in God's eternal kingdom._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/song-of-the-lonely
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters