Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CHRISTMAS, 1898, by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CHRISTMAS, 1898, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Another century dies
Last Line: With peace and light!
Subject(s): Christmas; Nativity, The


ANOTHER Century dies,
In war and blood and pain,
Our longing, streaming eyes
Look forth for Peace in vain,
For Christ the myriads fall
Butchered by Turk or Kurd
Comes there no end? Is all
The hope of men in vain?
Comes not the Lord again
O'er all the Earth to reign
As spake the Word?

Slow are God's judgments, slow,
To Man's impatient thought,
Slow-paced the Ages grow,
In vain the goal is sought.
Armed to the teeth to-day
The jealous peoples stand;
Worse blight than of decay,
Worse burden than of war
The fleets and legions are;
Dumb terror spreading far
O'er sea and land!

'Tis nigh two thousand years,
Since came the Prince of Peace
Return Thou, calm our fears,
Make strife and war to cease;
Thick clouds to-day of doubt,
Obscure our faithful sight.
Shine, Blessed Sun, shine out,
The storms of Passion still,
Again, oh hidden Will,
The wintry Earth fulfil
With Peace and Light!





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