Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CHURCH OF UNBENT KNEES by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS I WENT BY THE CHURCH TO-DAY
Last Line: MY GOD OF UNBENT KNEES!
Subject(s): PUBLIC WORSHIP; CHURCH ATTENDANCE;

AS I went by the church to-day
I heard the organ cry;
And goodly folk were on their knees,
But I went striding by.

My minster hath a roof more vast:
My aisles are oak trees high;
My altar-cloth is on the hills,
My organ is the sky.

I see my rood upon the clouds,
The winds, my chanted choir;
My crystal windows, heaven-glazed,
Are stained with sunset fire.

The stars, the thunder, and the rain,
White sands and purple seas --
These are His pulpit and His pew,
My God of Unbent Knees!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net