MY feet had faltered in the way, Before I was aware, In the bleak road it was most mete I should before the night complete, The stony road that tore my feet -- Which were so bare. My eyes were watchful as I went, And steadfast night and day, Through all the valley mists that rise From spring to spring -- I was so wise -- There were not any tearless eyes More clear than they. So sure upon the road I was, My heart was cold as stone, I would not let its passion wake, I strove and killed it for the sake Of that high way I thought to take, Till Heaven were won. So cold my heart and icy deep, The dreams upon it cast, My pain was like a frozen shroud Round a dead Queen whose face is proud, The while I said that God allowed Such pain to last. But came a day of all the days That were so surely bleak, My shroud was changed to leaping flame, From sun and moon and stars there came A fire to fill my heart -- whose name I dare not speak. I did not stop for joy or fear, I did not stay my feet, I said "My heart is strong as fire, My heart shall burn with its desire, Its rapture shall not break nor tire This is most mete." Before I was aware, oh God, Before my strength could choose, I left the road so long decreed, I faltered -- and my steps were freed, To find these flowers -- for all my need -- These morning dews. This summer bed of fragrant thyme, For me so newly made, These shining meadows through whose sun Like little streams the shadows run, Where now -- before the day is done -- I am afraid. My tears are wet upon my cheek I have not any care, Deep in the dews I bow my face -- To ask Thy pity in this place, Where I have faltered by Thy grace, So unaware. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LONESOME CHILD by KATHERINE MANSFIELD LORD ALCOHOL; SONG by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES HYMN FOR EPIPHANY by REGINALD HEBER THE BANNER OF THE JEW by EMMA LAZARUS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: HARRY WILMANS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS CHRISTMAS CAROL by SARA TEASDALE |