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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EASTER COMMUNION by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS

Poet Analysis

First Line: PURE FASTED FACES DRAW UNTO THIS FEAST
Last Line: LO, GOD SHALL STRENGTHEN ALL THE FEEBLE KNEES.
Subject(s): EASTER; EUCHARIST; HOLIDAYS; THE RESURRECTION; COMMUNION;

Pure fasted faces draw unto this feast:
God comes all sweetness to your Lenten lips.
You striped in secret with breath-taking whips,
Those crooked rough-scored chequers may be pieced
To crosses meant for Jesu's; you whom the East
With draught of thin and pursuant cold so nips
Breathe Easter now; you serged fellowships,
You vigil-keepers with low flames decreased,
God shall o'er-brim the measures you have spent
With oil of gladness; for sackcloth and frieze
And the ever-fretting shirt of punishment
Give myrrhy-threaded golden folds of ease.
Your scarce-sheathed bones are weary of being bent:
Lo, God shall strengthen all the feeble knees.




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