Saturday, March 25, 2023

De Profundis



Oh why is heaven built so far,
Oh why is earth set so remote?
I cannot reach the nearest star
That hangs afloat.

I would not care to reach the moon,
One round monotonous of change;
Yet even she repeats her tune
Beyond my range.

I never watch the scatter'd fire
Of stars, or sun's far-trailing train,
But all my heart is one desire,
And all in vain:

For I am bound with fleshly bands,
Joy, beauty, lie beyond my scope;
I strain my heart, I stretch my hands,
And catch at hope.

--Christina Rosetti (1830-1894) English Romantic poet and devout Anglican, supporter of the Oxford movement

Scripture reference: Psalm 130, Lent 5A

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