Christian Poetry Considered

Tag: 19th century

  • ‘Farewell’ by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

    Tie the strings to my life, my Lord Then I am ready to go! Just look at the horses – Rapid! That will do! 4 Put me in on the firmest side, So I shall never fall; For we must ride to the Judgement, And it’s partly downhill. 8 But never I mind the bridges,…

  • ‘Christ in the Universe’ by Alice Meynell (1847-1922)

    With this ambiguous earth His dealings have been told us. These abide: The signal to a maid, the human birth, The lesson and the young Man crucified. 4 But not a star of all The innumerable host of stars has heard How he administered this terrestrial ball. Our race have kept their Lord’s entrusted Word…

  • ‘A Church Romance: Mellstock about 1835’ by Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

    She turned in the high pew, until her sightSwept the west gallery, and caught its rowOf music-men with viol, book and bowAgainst the sinking sad tower-window light. 4She turned again; and in her pride’s despiteOne strenuous viol’s inspirer seemed to throwA message from his string to her below,Which said, ‘I claim thee as my own…

  • ‘The Voice that Breathed over Eden’ by John Keble (1792-1866)

    The voice that breathed o’er Eden That earliest wedding-day, The primal marriage blessing, It hath not passed away. 4 Still in the pure espousal Of Christian man and maid The Holy Three are with us, The threefold grace is said. 8 For dower of blessed children, For love and faith’s sweet sake, For high mysterious…