Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BALLAD OF THE ANGEL, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BALLAD OF THE ANGEL, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Who is it knocking in the night
Last Line: "of heaven when you die!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs.
Subject(s): Death; Heaven; Hell; Dead, The; Paradise


"WHO is it knocking in the night
That fain would enter in?"
"The ghost of Lost Delight am I,
The sin you would not sin,
Who comes to look in your two eyes
And see what might have been."

"O long ago and long ago
I cast you forth," he said,
"For that your eyes were all too blue,
Your laughing mouth too red,
And my torn soul was tangled in
The tresses of your head."

"Now mind you with what bitter words
You cast me forth from you?"
"I bade you back to that fair Hell
From whence your breath you drew,
And with great blows I broke my heart,
Lest it might follow too.

"Yea, from the grasp of your white hands
I freed my hands that day,
And have I not climbed near to God,
As these his henchmen may?"
"Ah man -- ah man, 'twas my two hands
That led you all the way."

"I hid my eyes from your two eyes
That they might see aright."
"Yet think you 'twas a star that led
Your feet from height to height?
It was the flame of my two eyes
That drew you through the night."

With trembling hands he threw the door,
Then fell upon his knee:
"O Vision, armed and cloaked in light,
Why do you honor me?"
"The Angel of your Strength am I
Who was your sin," quoth she.

"For that you slew me long ago
My hands have raised you high;
For that mine eyes you closed, mine eyes
Are lights to lead you by;
And 'tis my touch shall swing the gates
Of Heaven when you die!"





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