'A Wish' Summary

Samuel Rogers's 1813 poem "A Wish" is a meditation on the nature of desire and imagination. The poem begins with the speaker expressing a wish for a home in the midst of nature, where he could entertain friends and strangers alike. However, the speaker's wish quickly escalates, as he begins to imagine a world where everyone has the power to grant one wish.

The speaker describes the chaos and confusion that would ensue in such a world, as people wished for everything from riches and fame to love and happiness. He writes:

"Where some would wish to be a king,

And some to be a beggar,

And some to be a bird on the wing,

And some a fish in the sea."

The speaker also considers the implications of having his own wish granted. He realizes that the fulfillment of his desires would not necessarily bring him happiness. In fact, he suggests that it might even make him more miserable, as he would always be longing for something else.

In the end, the speaker concludes that the power to grant wishes would not be a blessing, but a curse. He writes:

"But grant me still a wish, O Fate,

A simple wish I pray,

The power to bear my present state,

And live from day to day."

Rogers's poem is a reminder that desire can be a dangerous thing. It can lead us to be ungrateful for what we have and to chase after things that are ultimately meaningless. However, the poem also suggests that the power of imagination is a gift. It allows us to dream of a better world and to strive for something more than the ordinary.

Essence and Spirit of the Book

The essence and spirit of Rogers's poem is one of reflection and contemplation. Rogers invites the reader to consider the nature of desire and the role that imagination plays in our lives. He does not offer any easy answers, but he forces us to confront the dark side of our own wishes.

Rogers's poem is also a celebration of the simple life. He suggests that true happiness comes from contentment and appreciation for what we have. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need more, Rogers's poem is a refreshing reminder that the most important things in life are not material possessions.

Conclusion

Rogers's "A Wish" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the complex relationship between desire, imagination, and happiness. It is a poem that has something to offer readers of all ages, and it continues to be relevant today.