Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HOPE IS THE COUNTERPOISE OF FEAR by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

Last Line: And both befit us here
Subject(s): FEAR; HOPE;
Hope is the counterpoise of fear
While night enthralls us here.

Fear hath a startled eye that holds a tear:
Hope hath an upward glance, for dawn draws near
With sunshine and with cheer.
Fear gazing earthwards spies a bier;
And sets herself to rear
A lamentable tomb where leaves drop sere,
Bleaching to congruous skeletons austere:
Hope chants a funeral hymn most sweet and clear,
And seems true chanticleer
Of resurrection and of all things dear
In the oncoming endless year.

Fear ballasts hope, hope buoys up fear,
And both befit us here.



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