I am coming to that holy room
-- Speaker (Line 1)

Importance: This first line introduces the subject of the poem. It informs the reader of the given circumstances that inspired the reflections on faith that are to follow. Namely, the speaker is about to die. He foresees himself "coming" to Heaven in the immediate future (1). This line also prefigures how the speaker imagines Heaven – as a "holy room," a simple and very real place (1).

I shall be made thy music
-- Speaker (Line 3)

Importance: This quote reveals a fascinating image of Heaven. The speaker imagines himself, not making, but becoming divine music. He believes that Heaven will see his spirit transformed into a Godly artistic creation, perhaps with the power to continue to inspire change and reflection on Earth.

Whilst my physicians by their love are grown / Cosmographers, and I their map, who lie / Flat on this bed
-- Speaker (Lines 6-8)

Importance: In this quotation, Donne introduces one of the central metaphors...