THE Preacher in his seat Spoke a new word to-day. He shook the rock beneath my feet And left uncertain clay. His tale was all of ease, Of tenderness alone. He was not there when Moses struck A water from a stone. Could I but speak the word, The skies should not let fall Celestial honey on my lips When they had need of gall. He preached a silken word To fearful men and vain. They want the sweet dews of our Lord But not the hurricane. I'll have Him all in all -- Beneath His feet be cast I have a heart that can endure The glory of the blast! Upon His breast like John They would escape His rod. But I would sweat as Jacob did And wrestle with my God. They are confused, perplexed! They say there is no sin. That Hand that fashioned Paradise Did slip the serpent in. They are afraid of Death, I scorn their fluttering brood. Why I could die with a great laugh, Declaring that 't was good! They say these things are dreams! Truly, they say not well. For that Pale Horse John tells about Was driven by Death and Hell! Let others love the Lamb, And seek a gentle Lord. I better like that honest God That came to bring a sword. I have no love of ease! My feet are shod with might! If there's no Devil in God's world Then what have I to fight? I am a man of war! Such things I understand: When Devils against Cherubim Are leagued throughout the land. The fragile and the small In happy gardens wait. But with the Angels of God's wrath I will ride out in state. The frail shall sit and feast; Behind safe walls are they. Outside I 'II face the hounds of dread And hold its dogs at bay. When scarlet Hell heaves up I have no fear at all. Scarred, I beat back the advancing flames That threaten their good wall. They tell me that in Heaven Our Lord will turn to love, Calling the lambs about His knees And to His breast the dove. Unto each man his lust! These words He speaks to me -- "I have set thee on a neighing horse, For I have need of thee! " | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHRISTMAS EVERYWHERE by PHILLIPS BROOKS THE AGONY [AGONIE] by GEORGE HERBERT MAUBERLEY: 5. MEDALLION by EZRA POUND WHEN SHE COMES HOME by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY HYMN TO INTELLECTUAL BEAUTY by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY TO - (1) by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY THE HIGH TIDE AT GETTYSBURG [JULY 3, 1863] by WILL HENRY THOMPSON |