Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 72. THE CHOICE (2), by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 72. THE CHOICE (2), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Watch thou and fear; to-morrow thou shalt die
Last Line: Cover thy countenance, and watch, and fear.
Alternate Author Name(s): Rossetti, Gabriel Charles Dante
Subject(s): Love


WATCH thou and fear; to-morrow thou shalt die.
Or art thou sure thou shalt have time for death?
Is not the day which God's word promiseth
To come man knows not when? In yonder sky,
Now while we speak, the sun speeds forth: can I
Or thou assure him of his goal? God's breath
Even at this moment haply quickeneth
The air to a flame; till spirits, always nigh
Though screened and hid, shall walk the daylight here.
And dost thou prate of all that man shall do?
Canst thou, who hast but plagues, presume to be
Glad in his gladness that comes after thee?
Will his strength slay thy worm in Hell? Go to:
Cover thy countenance, and watch, and fear.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net