Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ASH WEDNESDAY (1), by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ASH WEDNESDAY (1), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Jesus, do I love thee
Last Line: Love me and make me love thee.
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina
Subject(s): Ash Wednesday


Jesus, do I love Thee?
Thou art far above me,
Seated out of sight
Hid in heavenly light
Of most highest height.
Martyred hosts implore Thee,
Seraphs call before Thee,
Angels and Archangels,
Cherub throngs adore Thee;
Blessed she that bore Thee! --
All the Saints approve Thee,
All the Virgins love Thee.
I show as a bolt
Blood hath cleansed not,
As a barren spot
In Thy fruitful lot.
I, figtree fruit-unbearing,
Thou, Righteous Judge unsparing:
What canst Thou do more to me
That shall not more undo me?
Thy Justice hath a sound:
"Why cumbereth it the ground?"
Thy Love with stirrings stronger
Pleads: "Give it one year longer."
Thou giv'st me time: but who
Save Thou, shall give me dew,
Shall feed my root with Blood
And stir my sap for good? --
Oh by Thy gifts that shame me
Give more lest they condemn me:
Good Lord, I ask much of Thee,
But most I ask to love Thee:
Kind Lord, be mindful of me,
Love me and make me love Thee.






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