Ostrom’s sonnet frames spiritual renewal as a kind of move. The speaker half-teases, half-urges someone—maybe himself—to quit the exhausting role of being perpetually right and wronged, and to take up residence in humility. Instead of defending a “haughty piece of Earth,” the poem imagines a cottage where jars of faults sit preserved for honest inspection. The tone is wry and self-deprecating—“poor sod” lands with affection, not contempt—yet the advice is serious. Letting go of assumptions and asking forgiveness from ordinary walls leads back to basic gratitude. The closing couplet keeps even prayer modest: not grand certainty, just the hope that God exists. The mood is quiet, chastened, and gently relieved, like opening a window after years of staleness.
Making the Soul's Re-acquaintance — Summary
It seems you must give up your long-term lease On being right and wronged, righteous and hurt. No doubt there's someone else who would be pleased To lord over that haughty piece of Earth.
Move to a cottage of humility, Cross-breezes, and a pantry full of jars That hold your faults, preserved for scrutiny. Live with the wretchedness of who you are.
Chop kindling from the stump of your assumptions, And ask forgiveness from each simple wall. It won't be long before you sense resumption Of basic gratitude for life, for all.
Of course you'll want to pray again, poor sod. But keep it basic: pray there is a God.