Classic and Contemporary Poetry
CHRISTIE'S PORTRAIT, by GERALD MASSEY Poet's Biography First Line: Your tiny picture makes me yearn Last Line: Taken of her in heaven. Alternate Author Name(s): Bandiera Subject(s): Portraits | ||||||||
YOUR tiny picture makes me yearn; We are so far apart! My darling, I can only turn And kiss you in my heart. A thousand tender thoughts a-wing Swarm in a summer clime, And hover round it murmuring Like bees at honey-time. Upon a little girl I look Whose pureness makes me sad; I read as in a holy book, I grow in secret glad. It seems my darling comes to me With something I have lost Over life's toss'd and troubled sea, On some celestial coast. I think of her when spirit-bow'd; A glory fills the place! Like sudden light on swords, the proud Smile flashes in my face: And others see, in passing by, But cannot understand The vision shining in mine eye, My strength of heart and hand. That grave content and touching grace Bring tears into mine eyes; She makes my heart a holy place Where hymns and incense rise. Such calm her gentle spirit brings As, smiling overhead, White-statued saints with peaceful wings Shadow the sleeping dead. Our Christie is no rosy Grace With beauty all may see, But I have never felt a face Grow half so dear to me. No curling hair about her brows, Like many merry girls; Well, straighter to my heart it goes, And round it curls and curls. Meek as the wood anemone glints To see if heaven be blue, Is my pale flower with her sweet tints Of heaven shining through. She will be poor and never fret, Sleep sound and lowly lie; Will live her quiet life, and let The great world-storm go by. Dear love! God keep her in his grasp, Meek maiden, or brave wife, Till his good angels softly clasp Her closed book of life! And this fair picture of the sun, With birthday blessings given, Shall fade before a glorious one Taken of her in heaven. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AQUATINT FRAMED IN GOLD by AMY LOWELL PORTRAIT OF X (III) by THOMAS LUX PORTRAIT OF THE GREAT WHITE HUNTER FOXHUNTING IN THE ABSENCE OF BIG... by CLARENCE MAJOR PORTRAIT OF A MAN by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER PORTRAITE DE L'ARTISTE by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER FAMILY PORTRAIT by KENNETH PATCHEN FEMALE PORTRAIT, 19TH CENTURY by TOMAS TRANSTROMER |
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