Who is the 'dear friend' Field is writing to?

The letter does not specify who it is addressed to. The editorial introduction refers to the recipient simply as 'a clerical friend' — suggesting he is a minister or clergyman. The editor mentions that this friend's identity is kept confidential, a typical practice in memorial publications of the 19th century. For the editor, and for us, what’s important is the heartfelt expression in the letter, not the exact identity of the person it’s meant for.

What does Field mean by 'that undying puritanism in his blood'?

The editor is pointing to Field's New England roots. Although Field was born in St. Louis, he spent part of his upbringing in New England following his mother's death, growing up in a home influenced by strict Protestant beliefs. In this context, 'Puritanism' doesn’t imply a lack of joy or flexibility — it refers to a profound, inherited moral seriousness and a personal connection with God, which can emerge during genuine crises, even among those who don’t regularly practice religion.

Why does Field call his knees 'wicked'?

It’s a self-aware, somewhat rueful joke. Field recognizes that his knees aren’t used to kneeling in prayer—they're 'wicked' because they've been more focused on worldly pursuits than on devotion. This humor also lightens what is otherwise a very vulnerable admission. It’s Field's way of being honest about his imperfect faith without turning it into a big, dramatic confession.

Is Field saying he is a bad person or a bad Christian?

Not exactly. He honestly admits that he isn't a conventionally devout man—he doesn't pray often, and he acknowledges that. However, the letter suggests that the quality of a prayer is more important than how often one prays. Field isn't apologizing for who he is; he's explaining why this specific prayer holds such significance. Its rarity makes it feel genuine.

What is the significance of the date in the title?

The date — December 4, 1893 — anchors the letter in a particular moment of Field's life, just two years before he passed away in 1895. It adds a sense of authenticity: this isn’t a poem meant for publication but rather a personal note written on a night when Field received troubling news and decided to write. The exactness of the date contributes to its immediacy.

Why does Field say 'God has said yes to my prayer, I am sure' — does his friend recover?

The letter doesn't provide clarity, nor does the editorial framing. Field's certainty is based on faith, not on factual reporting. At this moment of writing, he chooses to believe that his prayer has been heard and answered. The text doesn't reveal whether the friend recovered, but Field's confidence is what matters — it illustrates his complete commitment to this prayer.

How does this letter connect to the rest of Eugene Field's work?

Field is often celebrated for his light, sentimental verses—children's poems, humorous newspaper articles, and playful literary parodies. However, this letter reveals a different side of him: the person behind the humor, who could express deep loyalty and raw emotion. The editor's framing emphasizes this notion—that Field's public warmth stemmed from something authentic and personal, rather than being an act for an audience.

The Annotated Edition

BUENA PARK, ILL., DECEMBER 4, 1893. by Eugene Field

Summary, meaning, line-by-line analysis & FAQ.

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This letter is a touching message from the poet Eugene Field to a dear friend in the clergy who is seriously ill.

Poet: Eugene Field
Themes: faith, friendship, love

The PoemFull text

BUENA PARK, ILL., DECEMBER 4, 1893.

Eugene Field

This was only one phase of the life of this great-hearted man, as it came close to his friends in the ministry. Other clergymen who knew him well will not forget his overflowing kindness in times of sickness and weariness. At least one will not forget the last day of their meeting and the ardor of the poet's prayer. Religion, as the Christian life, was not less sacred to him because he knew how poorly men achieve the task of living always at the best level, nor did the reality of the soul's approach to God grow less noble or commanding to him because he knew that too seldom do we lift our voices heavenward. I am permitted to copy this one letter addressed to a clerical friend, at a time when Eugene Field responded to the call of that undying puritanism in his blood: DEAR, DEAR FRIEND: I was greatly shocked to read in the Post last night of your dangerous illness. It is so seldom that I pray that when I do God knows I am in earnest. I do not pester Him with small matters. It is only when I am in real want that I get down on my wicked knees and pray. And I prayed for you last night, dear friend, for your friendship--the help that it is to me--is what I need, and I cannot be bereft of it. God has always been good to me, and He has said yes to my prayer, I am sure. Others, too--thousands of them--are praying for you, and for your restoration to health; none other has had in it more love and loyalty than my prayer had, and none other, dear friend, among the thousands whom you have blessed with your sweet friendship, loves you better than I do.

§01Quick summary

What this poem is about

This letter is a touching message from the poet Eugene Field to a dear friend in the clergy who is seriously ill. Field confesses that he doesn't often pray, but when he does, it's from a genuine place of need. He shares that this prayer, rooted in love and loyalty, is among the most heartfelt offerings he's ever made. It's a brief, intimate reflection that speaks volumes about friendship, faith, and the hopes we cling to when we're frightened of losing someone we care about.

§02Themes

Recurring themes

§03Line by line

Stanza by stanza, with notes

This was only one phase of the life of this great-hearted man...
Editor's note
This opening passage serves as an editorial introduction by someone familiar with Eugene Field, contextualizing the letter that follows. It portrays Field as a man with profound religious feelings who candidly acknowledged human weakness. He recognized that individuals often fall short of their spiritual potential, which in turn made his faith feel more authentic, not less.
DEAR, DEAR FRIEND: I was greatly shocked to read in the Post last night of your dangerous illness.
Editor's note
Field opens with a sense of immediate alarm. The repeated use of "dear" isn't just a formality; it conveys genuine emotional urgency. He has just seen the news in the newspaper, revealing that this illness was already known to the public, and his instinct is to reach out directly and personally.
It is so seldom that I pray that when I do God knows I am in earnest.
Editor's note
This is the emotional heart of the letter. Field's honesty is striking; he admits he doesn't pray regularly. Yet, it's this very openness that lends the prayer its significance. He isn't making a routine gesture — he's giving something valuable and uncommon. The line 'I do not pester Him with small matters' conveys both humility and a subtle sense of pride.
It is only when I am in real want that I get down on my wicked knees and pray.
Editor's note
The phrase 'my wicked knees' is striking. Field refers to his own knees as wicked, recognizing his flawed and irregular relationship with God without resorting to self-pity or excuses. 'Real want' clearly distinguishes between true need and habitual requests. He conveys that he turns to God only when it really counts, and this is one of those moments.
And I prayed for you last night, dear friend, for your friendship--the help that it is to me--is what I need...
Editor's note
Here, Field takes a refreshingly personal approach to prayer that feels almost startlingly candid. He doesn’t pray purely out of selfless love — he openly acknowledges his need for this friendship. This honesty makes his declaration of love at the end of the letter feel more genuine, not less. He isn't just being generous; he's admitting his dependence.
God has always been good to me, and He has said yes to my prayer, I am sure.
Editor's note
Field conveys a calm, assured faith — not the kind of faith that comes from daily prayers, but the kind that emerges when it truly matters and God delivers. This certainty ('I am sure') isn't arrogance; it reflects the hard-earned trust of a man who has experienced enough to understand his beliefs.
Others, too--thousands of them--are praying for you, and for your restoration to health...
Editor's note
Field broadens the perspective to remind his friend of the many lives he has impacted. The transition from 'I' to 'thousands' is a kind gesture—he isn't attempting to center the letter on himself. Yet, he quickly shifts back to the personal, emphasizing that among all those prayers, his is filled with a unique love and loyalty.
none other, dear friend, among the thousands whom you have blessed with your sweet friendship, loves you better than I do.
Editor's note
The closing declaration is strikingly honest. Field doesn’t hold back—he states plainly that no one loves this man more than he does. For a writer recognized for his wit and light touch, this level of raw emotional honesty is surprising. It reflects a man aware he might be writing to someone on the verge of death, opting for truth instead of politeness.

§04Tone & mood

How this poem feels

The tone is both urgent and tender, infused with a raw honesty. Field writes like people do when they're scared — straightforwardly, without embellishment, cutting through the usual social niceties. There’s also a subtle humor in phrases like 'my wicked knees' and 'I do not pester Him with small matters,' which prevents the letter from becoming overly sentimental. It feels like a man writing quickly, from the heart, late at night after absorbing some troubling news.

§05Symbols & metaphors

Symbols & metaphors

Wicked knees: Field's description of his knees as 'wicked' captures the complexity of his relationship with faith. He's not someone who naturally leans towards piety, and he recognizes that. The act of kneeling — which symbolizes prayer — reflects how much he values this moment.
Prayer: Prayer here isn't just a routine act; it's a special, intentional gesture meant for true crises. Its infrequency is what makes it significant. Field sees prayer as a symbol of the deepest care he can extend to someone else.
The newspaper: Reading about his friend's illness in the Post, a public newspaper, highlights the shock of the moment. This private grief comes through a public channel, making the intimacy of the letter that follows feel even more necessary and urgent.
Thousands of prayers: The image of thousands praying for the friend highlights the clergyman's broad influence and cherished reputation. Field uses it to pay tribute to his friend's life, while also emphasizing that his own prayer is distinct — grounded in personal love rather than just a sense of communal obligation.

§06Historical context

Historical context

Eugene Field (1850–1895) was a journalist and poet based in Chicago, celebrated for his sentimental children's poetry, particularly "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod." He was a prominent writer for the Chicago Daily News and cherished by many for his warmth, humor, and ability to forge friendships. This letter was penned just two years before his passing, during a peak in his public acclaim. The way it’s presented suggests it was published after his death as a tribute, likely in a memorial collection or literary magazine. The mention of "that undying puritanism in his blood" hints at the 19th-century perspective on Field's New England roots; he was partly raised by a strict aunt in New England after losing his mother at a young age. In this letter, we see a side of Field that often got overshadowed by his playful and whimsical public image: a man with deep emotions and a sincere, though unconventional, faith.

§07FAQ

Questions readers ask

It’s a letter, shared here as a piece of literature. Eugene Field was mainly recognized as a poet and journalist, and this work was kept and published due to its literary and emotional depth. The editorial introduction positions it as a glimpse into Field's personal character. Numerous prose letters from poets are examined and included in anthologies as significant literary works in their own right.

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BUENA PARK, ILL., DECEMBER 4, 1893. by Eugene Field

BUENA PARK, ILL., DECEMBER 4, 1893.

What this poem is about

Recurring themes

Stanza by stanza, with notes

How this poem feels

Symbols & metaphors

Historical context

Questions readers ask

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