Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A CHANT, by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER Poet's Biography First Line: Who is the angel that cometh? Last Line: "in the name of the lord!" Alternate Author Name(s): Berwick, Mary Subject(s): Religion; Theology | ||||||||
I. WHO is the Angel that cometh? Life! Let us not question what he brings, Peace or Strife; Under the shade of his mighty wings, One by one, Are his secrets told; One by one, Lit by the rays of each morning sun, Shall a new flower its petals unfold, With the mystery hid in its heart of gold. We will arise and go forth to greet him, Singly, gladly, with one accord; -- "Blessed is he that cometh In the name of the Lord!" II. Who is the Angel that cometh? Joy! Look at his glittering rainbow wings, -- No alloy Lies in the radiant gifts he brings; Tender and sweet, He is come to-day, Tender and sweet: While chains of love on his silver feet Will hold him in lingering fond delay. But greet him quickly, he will not stay, Soon he will leave us; but though for others All his brightest treasures are stored, -- "Blessed is he that cometh In the name of the Lord!" III. Who is the Angel that cometh? Pain! ------------ Let us arise and go forth to greet him; -- Not in vain Is the summons come for us to meet him; He will stay, And darken our sun; He will stay A desolate night, a weary day. Since in that shadow our work is done, And in that shadow our crowns are won Let us say still, while his bitter chance Slowly into our hearts is poured "Blessed is he that cometh In the name of the Lord!" IV. Who is the Angel that cometh? Death! But do not shudder and do not fear; Hold your breath, For a kingly presence is drawing near, Cold and bright Is his flashing steel, Cold and bright The smile that comes like a starry light To calm the terror and grief we feel; He comes to help and to save and heal: Then let us, baring our hearts and kneeling, Sing, while we wait this Angel's sword, -- "Blessed is he that cometh In the name of the Lord!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MYSTIC BOUNCE by TERRANCE HAYES MATHEMATICS CONSIDERED AS A VICE by ANTHONY HECHT UNHOLY SONNET 11 by MARK JARMAN SHINE, PERISHING REPUBLIC by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE COMING OF THE PLAGUE by WELDON KEES A LITHUANIAN ELEGY by ROBERT KELLY A DOUBTING HEART by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER |
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