Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THERE REMAINETH THEREFORE A REST, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THERE REMAINETH THEREFORE A REST, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: In the grave will be no space
Last Line: Struggling, panting up to god.
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina
Subject(s): Graves; Tombs; Tombstones


IN the grave will be no space
For the purple of the proud --
They must mingle with the crowd:
In the wrappings of a shroud
Jewels would be out of place.

There no laughter shall be heard,
Nor the heavy sound of sighs:
Sleep shall seal the aching eyes:
All the ancient and the wise
There shall utter not a word.

Yet it may be we shall hear
How the mounting skylark sings
And the bell for matins rings;
Or perhaps the whisperings
Of white Angels sweet and clear.

What a calm when all is done,
Wearing vigil, prayer, and fast!
All fulfilled from first to last:
All the length of time gone past
And eternity begun.

Fear and hope and chastening rod
Urge us on the narrow way:
Bear we still as best we may
Heat and burden of the day,
Struggling, panting up to God.





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