Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ANSELMO, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ANSELMO, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Years did I vainly seek the good
Last Line: So it is I am blest and glad alway.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): God; Grace; Prayer


YEARS did I vainly seek the good Lord's grace --
Prayed, fasted, and did penance dire and dread;
Did kneel, with bleeding knees and rainy face,
And mouth the dust, with ashes on my head;
Yea, still with knotted scourge the flesh I flayed,
Rent fresh the wounds, and moaned and shrieked insanely;
And froth oozed with the pleadings that I made,
And yet I prayed on vainly, vainly, vainly!

A time, from out of swoon I lifted eye,
To find a wretched outcast, gray and grim,
Bathing my brow, with many a pitying sigh,
And I did pray God's grace might rest on him. --
Then, lo! a gentle voice fell on mine ears --
"Thou shalt not sob in suppliance hereafter;
Take up thy prayers and wring them dry of tears,
And lift them, white and pure with love and laughter!"

So is it now for all men else I pray;
So it is I am blest and glad alway.





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