Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WHAT IS THIS ABOVE THY HEAD, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHAT IS THIS ABOVE THY HEAD, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
Last Line: Sinner, — or saint
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina
Subject(s): Saints; Sin; Life Choices


What is this above thy head, O Man? ''"
The World, all overspread
With pearls and golden rays
And gems ablaze;
A sight which day and night
Fills an eye's span.

What is this beneath thy feet, O Saint ? ''"
The World, a nauseous sweet
Puffed up and perishing ;
A hollow thing,
A lie, a vanity
Tinsel and paint.

What is she while time is time, O Man ? ''"
In a perpetual prime
Beauty and youth she hath;
And her footpath
Breeds flowers thro' dancing hours
Since time began.

While time lengthens what is she, O Saint? -
Nought: yea, all men shall see
How she is nought at all,
When her death-pall
Of fire ends their desire
And brands her taint.

Ah poorest Man, befooled and slow and faint!
Ah poorest Man, if so
Thou turn thy back on bliss
And choose amiss!
For thou art choosing now:
Sinner, - or Saint.





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