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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IT IS ENOUGH by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS

First Line: IT IS ENOUGH! CEASE THINE ASSAILING
Last Line: IT IS ENOUGH! OH, GRANT ME PEACE!
Subject(s): PAIN; SUFFERING; MISERY;

IT is enough! Cease thine assailing,
In dust my limbs lie wearily.
Thou calm'st the meanest creature's wailing:
Must I alone forgotten be?
Wouldst thou destroy me? Well, here stand I,
Awaiting still thy sword-blade's sough;
But torture not with blows so sorely,
And stay thy hand. It is enough!

It is enough! These chains inflaming
With hellish fire my aching heart, --
All powerless are words in naming
The boundless anguish of their smart.
From gyves the criminal aye loose we,
When dragged to doom by jailers rough:
Wilt thou not cast one glance in mercy
My guilt upon? It is enough!

It is enough! All earth's woes feeling,
I've suffered till my soul is sick;
Have fought till, bleeding, bruised past healing,
Wounded I lie unto the quick.
See through my hands the tremor gliding;
My feeble breath full soon will cease:
Thou Judge, o'er life and death presiding,
It is enough! Oh, grant me peace!



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