"The Lowest Place"

Give me the lowest place: not that I dare
Ask for that lowest place, but Thou hast died
That I might live and share
Thy glory by Thy side.

Give me the lowest place: or if for me
That lowest place too high, make one more low
Where I may sit and see
My God and love thee so.
(1863)

Marsh's comment: "In some sense, a 'signature poem' of CGR's occupying final position in her collected edition of 1875."

On a poetic level, this piece is very effective for it shows the poet's economy. In just two four line stanzas she is able to convey the aim of her entire life. The repetition of the word 'lowest' (or simply 'low' in line 6) both in title and text is effective in that it not only shows the poet's focus, but also creates a prayer or hymn-like feel. Many of CGR's works are, of course, quite lyrical - this poem is no exception. It reads like a song. The word repetition gives it a sort of mantra feel, though I don't like that word because I feel CGR would find it too pagan sounding. Catechetical carries no emotion behind it, and the poem definitely has an emotional tone.

What is so fascinating about this poem, however, is that it still ends up saying more about the mindset of the poet rather than the object of her affection. I wouldn't label it completely self-absorbed, but it does seem to betray the poet's sense of her inadequacy before a just and holy God. Marsh, I think would see this as an example of the poet's fear of God the father, and her dependence on the grace of God the son - Jesus Christ. That she is addressing Christ is apparent in that she mentions in lines two and three Christ's sacrifice (on the cross). Yet there is an interesting aspect to her request - she makes it not out of a sense that she deserves it, but because it has been freely offered her through Christ's sacrifice. But she states that because of this she may share a place in glory 'by thy side' (l.4). Does this mean that Christ - the model of humility and servanthood on earth - will also occupy a low place? This doesn't seem to be the case - CGR most certainly would not have interpreted it this way given her knowledge of the New Testament (esp. Revelation). She may mean by 'by thy side' more generally: sharing in the glory of Heaven. I think this is the meaning she is going for. However, the line does betray a striving behind the humility - not a false humility. Perhaps there is a discrepancy between her request and her internal hope. That this is an on-going struggle for the poet is evident in Marsh's description of CGR's final days - her struggle seems continually to be between an Old Testament sense of judgment and a New Testament promise of grace. She hopes for the latter, but fears the former.