Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CHRISTMAS CAROL: 2, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CHRISTMAS CAROL: 2, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: A holy heavenly chime
Last Line: For christ is born a king.'
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina
Subject(s): Christmas Carols


A holy heavenly chime
Rings fulness in of time,
And on His Mother's breast
Our Lord God ever-Blest
Is laid a Babe at rest.

Stoop, Spirits unused to stoop,
Swoop, Angels, flying swoop,
Adoring as you gaze,
Uplifting hymns of praise: --
'Grace to the Full of Grace!'

The cave is cold and strait
To hold the angelic state:
More strait it is, more cold,
To foster and infold
Its Maker one hour old.

Thrilled through with awestruck love,
Meek Angels poised above,
To see their God, look down:
'What, is there never a Crown
For Him in swaddled gown?

'How comes He soft and weak
With such a tender cheek,
With such a soft small hand? --
The very Hand which spann'd
Heaven when its girth was plann'd.

'How comes He with a voice
Which is but baby-noise? --
That Voice which spake with might
"Let there be light" -- and light
Sprang out before our sight.

'What need hath He of flesh
Made flawless now afresh?
What need of human heart? --
Heart that must bleed and smart,
Choosing the better part.

'But see: His gracious smile
Dismisses us a while
To serve Him in His kin.
Haste we, make haste, begin
To fetch His brethren in.'

Like stars they flash and shoot,
The Shepherds they salute:
'Glory to God' they sing:
'Good news of peace we bring,
For Christ is born a King.'





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