Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GETHSEMANE, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GETHSEMANE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The dew lay thick on thorn and flower
Last Line: "thy sleepless friend will watch with thee!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): Gethsemane


THE dew lay thick on thorn and flower,
And where the olives clustered gray
Weird shapes, within that awesome hour
Between the midnight and the day,
Seemed walking phantom-like abroad,
As if to vex the Son of God.

And all the city lay asleep,
O'er beast and bird the spell was cast,
And nothing stirred the silence deep,
Save where our Lord the vigil passed;
The long lone vigil when His prayer
Was uttered from a heart's despair.

"Oh, watch with me one little hour!"
His tender tones had pleading cried
Unto the faithful three, whose dower
Of love had kept them near His side.
Nay—folded hands and drooping head,
And slumber—quiet as the dead.

No wonder then for weariness
The second time they fall asleep,
He turns in very tenderness,
And leaves them to repose so deep;
Alone He meets the serpent foe,
Alone He bears the bitter woe.

Gethsemane! Gethsemane!
We see the glory and the gloom!
Through all thy pain and agony,
Thy garden wears immortal bloom.
'Twas human friendship failed Him there,
But Love Divine did hear His prayer.

Life's bitter cups we too must take,
Life's bitter bread in anguish eat;
But when our hearts are like to break
There comes to us a whisper sweet,
"Fear thou no dim Gethsemane;
Thy sleepless Friend will watch with thee!"





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