Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, REALITIES, by PHOEBE CARY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

REALITIES, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Things that I have to hold and keep, ah! These
Last Line: Is that which passeth knowledge, god's dear love.
Subject(s): Reality; God


THINGS that I have to hold and keep, ah! these
Are not the treasures to my heart most dear;
Though many sweet and precious promises
Have had their sweet fulfillment, even here.

And yet to others, what I name my own
Poor unrealities and shows might seem;
Since my best house hath no foundation-stone.
My tenderest lover is a tender dream.

And would you learn who leads me, if below
I choose the good or from the ill forbear?
A little child He suffered long ago
To come unto his arms, and keeps her there!

The alms I give the beggar at my gate
I do but lend to One who thrice repays;
The only heavenly bread I ever ate
Came back to find me, after many days.

The single friend whose presence cannot fail,
Whose face I always see without disguise,
Went down into the grave and left the veil
Of mortal flesh that hid her from my eyes!

My clearest way is that which faith hath shown,
Not that in which by sight I daily move;
And the most precious thing my soul hath known
Is that which passeth knowledge, God's dear love.





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