Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THREEFOLD, by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THREEFOLD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Mother of grace and mercy
Last Line: I leave, my queen!
Alternate Author Name(s): Berwick, Mary
Subject(s): Future; Love; Pain; Past; Sin; Suffering; Misery


MOTHER of grace and mercy,
Behold how burdens three
Weigh down my weary spirit,
And drive me here -- to Thee.
Three gifts I place forever
Before thy shrine:
The threefold offering of my love,
Mary, to thine!

The Past: with all its memories,
Of pain -- that stings me yet;
Of sin -- that brought repentance;
Of joy -- that brought regret.
That which has been: -- forever
So bitter-sweet --
I lay in humblest offering
Before thy feet.

The Present: that dark shadow
Through which we toil to-day;
The slow drops of the chalice
That must not pass away.
Mother! I dare not struggle,
Still less despair:
I place my Present in thy hands,
And leave it there.

The Future: holding all things
Which I can hope or fear,
Brings sin and pain, it may be,
Nearer and yet more near.
Mother! this doubt and shrinking
Will not depart,
Unless I trust my Future
To thy dear Heart.

Making the Past my lesson,
Guiding the Present right,
Ruling the misty Future, --
Bless them and me to-night.
What may be, and what must be.
And what has been,
In thy dear care forever
I leave, my Queen!





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