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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ON THE SANCTISSIMUM: 1. THE REAL PRESENCE by CHARLES WILLIAMS

First Line: WHEN THE YOUNG CHURCH WAS ROBBED OF HER ADORED
Last Line: MURMURING: THIS MY BODY, THIS MY BLOOD.
Subject(s): ABSENCE; SEPARATION; ISOLATION;

WHEN the young Church was robbed of her Adored,
Eager and innocent her longing mind
Mean after mean to ease her heart designed
With his pretended presence for reward.
For first in haste his sayings she explored,
But yet he came not; soon the cross she signed
In court or catacomb; then, for still she pined,
Shaped thereupon the image of her lord.
Last, in a passionate rush of memory,
She sank, she cried: @3This, surely this is be,
He newly come, Himself become our food@1.
Divine deception! ... had his tenderness
Not foregone time and outrun her distress,
Murmuring: @3This my body, this my blood@1.



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