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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


JESUS OF NAZARETH PASSETH BY by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: WATCHER, WHO WATCHEST BY THE BED OF PAIN
Last Line: "JESUS OF NAZARETH PASSETH BY."
Subject(s): JESUS CHRIST;

Watcher, who watchest by the bed of pain,
While the stars sweep on in their midnight train;
Stifling the tear for thy loved one's sake;
Holding thy breath lest his sleep should break,
In thy loneliest hours there's a Helper nigh--
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

Stranger, afar from thy native land,
Whom no one takes with a brother's hand;
Table and hearthstone are glowing free,
Casements are sparkling, but not for thee;
There is One who can tell of a home on high--
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

Sad one, in secret, bending low,
A dart in thy breast that the world may not know,
Striving the favor of God to win,
Asking His pardon for days of sin,
Press on, press on, with thy earnest cry--
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

Mourner, who sits in the churchyard lone,
Scanning the lines on that marble stone,
Plucking the weeds from thy children's bed,
Planting the myrtle, the rose instead,
Look up, look up, with thy tearful eye--
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

Fading one, with the hectic streak,
With thy vein of fire and thy burning cheek;
Fear'st thou to tread the darken'd vale,
Look unto One who can never fail;
He trod it himself, He will hear thy sigh--
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."



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