IN reverence will we speak of those that woo The ear Divine with clear and ready prayer; And, while their voices cleave the Sabbath air, Know their bright thoughts are winging heavenward too. Yet many a one, -- "the latchet of whose shoe" These might not loose, -- will often only dare Lay some poor words between him and despair -- "Father forgive! we know not what we do." For, as Christ pray'd, so echoes our weak heart, Yearning the ways of God to vindicate, But worn and wilder'd by the shows of fate, Of good oppressed and beautiful defiled, Dim alien force, that draws or holds apart From its dear home that wandering spirit-child. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET: 78 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE TREES IN WINTER by ARTHUR WILLIAM BEER KEATS WAS AN UNBELIEVER by WILLIAM STANLEY BRAITHWAITE SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 8 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING WORK by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |