Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ST. CHRISTOPHER, by JOHN BANISTER TABB Poet's Biography First Line: It was a very little boy Last Line: "thy ferrymen, o lord.'" Alternate Author Name(s): Father Tabb Subject(s): Christopher, Christoper (3d Century) | ||||||||
It was a very little Boy That on the river side Stood calling, "Ferryman, ahoy! Come, take me o'er the tide!" The Ferryman came wading on, And seeing but a child, "Get up upon my shoulder, Son," He said, and, stooping, smiled. But when into the stream again The giant boldly strode, His every muscle was astrain Beneath the growing load; Till finally, with failing strength, He reached the other bank, And putting down the Boy at length Upon the margin sank. "Who art thou," wondering, he cried, "That hast so burdened me?" "The Son of God," the Boy replied, "Who bore the Cross for thee. "Henceforth thy task pursuing here For love of souls forlorn Thou'lt bear the name of Christopher, As thou the Christ hast borne; "And little sufferers that see How great is thy reward Shall cry, 'Like Christopher are we Thy Ferrymen, O Lord.'" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ST. CHRISTOPHER; FOR A CHILD by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL A VISION OF SAINTS: S. CHRISTOPHER by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907) ST. CHRISTOPHER OF THE GAEL by WILLIAM SHARP THE CHRISTMAS SAINT by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS BALLAD OF SAINT CHRISTOPHER by RICHARD LAWSON GALES SAINT CHRISTOPHER by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS SAINT CHRISTOPHER by CARLOS MARTINEZ RIVAS ONE FOR THE ROAD by NANCY WILLARD ANONYMOUS by JOHN BANISTER TABB AT BETHLEHEM: 1. THE CHILD by JOHN BANISTER TABB |
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