Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE WORLD, by FREDERICK WILLIAM FABER Poet's Biography First Line: The world is wise, for the world is old Last Line: But the love of god would do all for thee. Subject(s): Earth; God; Religion; World; Theology | ||||||||
THE world is wise, for the world is old; Five thousand years their tale have told; Yet the world is not happy, as the world might be, -- Why is it? why is it? Oh, answer me! The world is kind if we ask not too much; It is sweet to the taste, and smooth to the touch; Yet the world is not happy, as the world might be, -- Why is it? why is it? Oh, answer me! The world is strong, with an awfull strength, And full of life in its hreadth and length; Yet the world is not happy, as the world might be, -- Why is it? why is it? Oh, answer me! The world is so beautiful one may fear Its borrowed beauty might make it too dear, Yet the world is not happy, as the world might be, -- Why is it? why is it? Oh, answer me! The world is good in its own poor way, There is rest by night and high spirits by day; Yet the world is not happy, as the world might be, -- Why is it? why is it? Oh, answer me! The cross shines fair, and the church-bell rings, And the earth is peopled with holy things; Yet the world is not happy, as the world might be, -- Why is it? why is it? Oh, answer me! What lackest thou, world? for God made thee of old; Why, -- thy faith hath gone out, and thy love grown cold; Thou art not happy, as thou mightest be, For the want of Christ's simplicity. It is blood that thou lackest, thou poor old world! Who shall make thy love hot for thee, frozen old world? Thou art not happy, as thou might be, For the love of dear Jesus is little in thee. Poor world! if thou cravest a better way, Remember that Christ must have his own way; I mourn thou art not as thou mightest be, But the love of God would do all for thee. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MYSTIC BOUNCE by TERRANCE HAYES MATHEMATICS CONSIDERED AS A VICE by ANTHONY HECHT UNHOLY SONNET 11 by MARK JARMAN SHINE, PERISHING REPUBLIC by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE COMING OF THE PLAGUE by WELDON KEES A LITHUANIAN ELEGY by ROBERT KELLY PARADISE by FREDERICK WILLIAM FABER |
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