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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE TEMPLE by SAROJINI NAIDU

First Line: AWAKE, IT IS LOVE'S RADIANT HOUR OF PRAISE!
Last Line: FOR LOVE'S BURNT-OFFERING!
Subject(s): HEARTS; LOVE;

PRIEST

AWAKE, it is Love's radiant hour of praise!
Bring new-blown leaves his temple to adorn,
Pomegranate-buds and ripe sirisha-sprays,
Wet sheaves of shining corn.

PILGRIM

@3O priest! only my broken lute I bring
For Love's praise-offering!@1

PRIEST

Behold! the hour of sacrifice draws near.
Pile high the gleaming altar-stones of Love
With delicate burdens of slain woodland deer
And frail white mountain dove.

PILGRIM

@3O priest! only my wounded heart I bring
For Love's blood-offering!@1

PRIEST

Lo! now it strikes Love's solemn hour of prayer,
Kindle with fragrant boughs his blazing shrine,
Feed the sweet flame with spice and incense rare
Curds of rose-pastured kine.

PILGRIM

@3O priest! only my stricken soul I bring
For Love's burnt-offering!@1



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