Thursday, January 14, 2010

"Uphill" by Christina Rossetti

Uphill
by Christina Rossetti

Does the road wind uphill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day's journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow, dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you waiting at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.
Fun fact! Vincent Van Gogh used the beginning of this poem in one of his sermons! :)

2 comments:

  1. For some reason this poem made me think of Purgatory. But I think in that case, the inn would be Heaven.

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  2. I think it's about life, and the wayfarers who "have gone before" are saints, and the inn is . . . . . maybe prayer?

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