Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


NOW AND AFTERWARDS by DINAH MARIA MULOCK CRAIK

First Line: TWO HANDS UPON THE BREAST'
Last Line: PARDON THOSE ERRING PRAYERS! FATHER HEAR THESE!
Subject(s): DEATH; DEAD, THE;

"Two hands upon the breast,
And labor's done;
Two pale feet crossed in rest, --
The race is won;
Two eyes with coin-weights shut,
And all tears cease;
Two lips where grief is mute,
Anger at peace:"
So pray we oftentimes, mourning our lot;
God in his kindness answereth not.
"Two hands to work addrest
Aye for his praise;
Two feet that never rest
Walking his ways;
Two eyes that look above
Through all their tears;
Two lips still breathing love,
Not wrath, nor fears:"
So pray we afterwards, low on our knees;
Pardon those erring prayers! Father hear these!



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