Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


I WILL ARISE by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI

Poet Analysis

First Line: WEARY AND WEAK, -- ACCEPT MY WEARINESS
Last Line: TO FEEBLE PRAYERS; -- O LORD, I WILL ARISE.
Subject(s): JESUS CHRIST;

WEARY and weak, -- accept my weariness;
Weary and weak and downcast in my soul,
With hope growing less and less,
And with the goal
Distant and dim, -- accept my sore distress.
I thought to reach the goal so long ago,
At outset of the race I dreamed of rest,
Not knowing what now I know
Of breathless haste,
Of long-drawn straining effort across the waste.

One only thing I knew, Thy love of me;
One only thing I know, Thy sacred same
Love of me full and free,
A craving flame
Of selfless love of me which burns in Thee.
How can I think of Thee, and yet grow chill?
Of Thee, and yet grow cold and nigh to death?
Re-energize my will,
Rebuild my faith;
I will arise and run, Thou giving me breath.

I will arise, repenting and in pain;
I will arise, and smite upon my breast
And turn to Thee again;
Thou choosest best;
Lead me along the road Thou makest plain.
Lead me a little way, and carry me
A little way, and hearken to my sighs,
And store my tears with Thee,
And deign replies
To feeble prayers; -- O Lord, I will arise.



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