Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE PASSING, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PASSING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Is this a time for setting forth ...'
Last Line: "and will not let me in."
Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs.
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


"IS this a time for setting forth --
The driven clouds hang low,
A wolf-wind howls from out the North
Across the wastes of snow?"
"Nay, kiss me on my mouth, true wife,
The hour is come to go."

"But go you out to fight, my Lord?
Your men-at-arms sleep all --
And go you without horse and sword
To meet your foeman's call?"
"I bear another weapon, wife,
Stiff fingers let not fall."

"But go you fasting, Lord of mine,
Ere yet the feast be spread?"
"The Priest shall touch my mouth with wine,
My lips with broken bread,
That in that far place where I fare
My soul shall go full-fed."

"And whither leads the path, my Lord,
That you would take alone?"
"It leadeth to a silent ford
Unseen of moon and sun."
"And shall one point the way to you?" --
"Aye, one and only one."

"And whoso is the foe that stands
To give you battle there?"
"One with no weapon in his hands
And with his body bare,
And in his eyes the selfsame look
My saddest sin may wear.

"Now lay the cross in my two hands,
And bid the Priest begin,
Seeing I fare to Death's dark lands
To war with that my Sin,
Who stands before the door of God
And will not let me in."





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net