Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HOLINESS by JOHN DRINKWATER

Poet Analysis

First Line: IF ALL THE CARTS WERE PAINTED GAY
Last Line: TILL BOTH SHOULD UNDERSTAND.
IF all the carts were painted gay,
And all the streets swept clean,
And all the children came to play
By hollyhocks, with green
Grasses to grow between,

If all the houses looked as though
Some heart were in their stones,
If all the people that we know
Were dressed in scarlet gowns,
With feathers in their crowns,

I think this gaiety would make
A spiritual land.
I think that holiness would take
This laughter by the hand,
Till both should understand.



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