Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MARY, by ROBERT NORWOOD


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MARY, by                    
First Line: Fairest of women must have been that maid
Last Line: When all the morning stars hosannaed earth!
Subject(s): Christmas; Gabriel; Jesus Christ; Mary. Mother Of Jesus; Women - Bible; Nativity, The; Virgin Mary


FAIREST of women must have been that maid
To whom the great archangel Gabriel
Announced Messiah. Were there asphodel,
Rue, violet and rose within the glade
Of Mary's vision? Do not be afraid,
The Presence whispered, King Emmanuel
Cometh to earth! His voice was like a bell
Softened by distance, ere its clangour fade.

Tender is Gabriel—the lord of birth;
He comes to mothers with white folded wings,
And eyes like pansies misted by the dew:
The little cradle-song a woman sings,
Crooning above her babe, that angel knew
When all the morning stars hosannaed earth!





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


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