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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE LITANY: 1. THE FATHER by JOHN DONNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: FATHER OF HEAVEN, AND HIM, BY WHOM
Last Line: I MAY RISE UP FROM DEATH, BEFORE I'AM DEAD.

Father of Heaven, and him, by whom
It, and us for it, and all else, for us
Thou madest, and govern'st ever, come
And re-create mee, now growne ruinous:
My heart is by dejection, clay,
And by selfe-murder, red.
From this red earth, O Father, purge away
All vicious tinctures, that new fashioned
I may rise up from death, before I'am dead.



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