Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, NOW AND AFTERWARD, by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

NOW AND AFTERWARD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Now, the sowing and the weeping
Last Line: "and the master's ""enter thou!"
Subject(s): Heaven; Paradise


NOW, the sowing and the weeping,
Working hard and waiting long;
Afterward, the golden reaping,
Harvest home and grateful song.

Now, the pruning, sharp, unsparing;
Scattered blossom, bleeding shoot!
Afterward, the plenteous bearing
Of the Master's pleasant fruit.

Now, the plunge, the briny burden,
Blind, faint gropings in the sea;
Afterward, the pearly guerdon
That shall make the diver free.

Now, the long and toilsome duty,
Stone by stone to carve and bring;
Afterward, the perfect beauty
Of the palace of the King.

Now, the tuning and the tension,
Wailing minors, discord strong;
Afterward, the grand ascension
Of the Alleluia song.

Now, the spirit conflict-riven,
Wounded heart, unequal strife;
Afterward, the triumph given,
And the victor's crown of life.

Now, the training, strange and lowly,
Unexplained and tedious now:
Afterward, the service holy,
And the Master's "Enter thou!"





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