Prayers of Kazimierz Wierzyński

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses two main theses. Firstly, the author claims that, contrary to what is commonly thought, neither the subject matter nor the meaning of Kazimierz Wierzyński’s later poems differ significantly from the topics taken up in his debut volumes. The poet never lost his youthful faith in the order of the world, nor did he quench his admiration for the work of creation. It is the main and essential feature of his poetry. Secondly, an important element of Wierzyński’s poems, which reveals itself in various forms and shapes, is prayer. This form of expression is referenced directly in many titles and often functions as the central theme of the poems. Moreover, many of Wierzyński’s works represent exactly this speech genre. His volumes contain poetic prayers differing thematically and functionally, for all seasons and all times of a day, for various holidays, celebrations, and other occasions. The poetry by Kazimierz Wierzyński is in fact one big prayer of supplication, humility, delight, and thanksgivings. Keywords: poetic language – Kazimierz Wierzyński – speech genres – prayer.