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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE GOOD THIEF by JOHN BANISTER TABB

First Line: IF THOU, LIKE ZACHEUS, WOULDST SEE
Last Line: TURNKEY OF HEAVEN, BEWARE -- A THIEF!

If thou, like Zacheus, wouldst see
Thy Lord and Master, climb the tree,
And for His passing wait with me.

Here, nearer to its native skies,
No intervening darkness lies
Between the soul and Paradise.

Was ever mortal penance brief
As mine? A moment of belief --
Turnkey of Heaven, beware -- a thief!



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