Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PRESENT DAY SONNETS: THE CHRIST, by PERCY STICKNEY GRANT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PRESENT DAY SONNETS: THE CHRIST, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A gift I have, a sore perplexity
Last Line: "from all mankind, and new conditions breeds."
Subject(s): Jesus Christ


I

"A gift I have, a sore perplexity,
That pains me like a friend's farewell embrace,
Or unavailing grief o'er a dead face,
The gift of love which Thou hast given me.
The hearts of men and women I can see:
Their hopes and transports, bright with heavenly grace,
Their sin and torture, twined with hell's grimace;
But I am dumb to speak my ecstasy.
How can I tell them all the love I bear?
Nay, would they understand my words or heed,
What can I do this utmost love to show, --
One utterance, one deed the world can share?
Like dripping breasts my heart with love doth bleed,
O, I would die if all mankind might know.

II

"Would I could give that naked man my cloak,
And, Father, heal that leper's foul disease,
Could blot sin from each criminal heart, could ease
The laborer's load, give bread where starved men choke.
Would I could give them peace that are heart-broke
And pour new wine upon old losses' lees.
At every step the needy on me seize;
My hands alone cannot life every yoke."
Then his soul heard: "Be rich in life, not gifts
That pass like morning dews; but give instead
A dower for all ages and all needs.
Thy soul perfect through suffering, till it lifts
The burden of a self forever dead,
From all mankind, and new conditions breeds."





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