Love I was shewn upon the mountain-side
And bid to catch Him ere the dropp of day.
See, Love, I creep and Thou on wings dost ride: 
Love it is evening now and Thou away; 
Love, it grows darker here and Thou art above; 
Love, come down to me if Thy name be Love.

My national old Egyptian reed gave way; 
I took of vine a cross-barred rod or rood.
Then next I hungered: Love when here, they say, 
Or once or never took love's proper food; 
But I must yield the chase, or rest and eat. - 
Peace and food cheered me where four rough ways meet.

Hear yet my paradox: Love, when all is given, 
To see Thee I must [see] Thee, to love, love; 
I must o'ertake Thee at once and under heaven
If I shall overtake Thee at last above.
You have your wish; enter these walls, one said: 
He is with you in the breaking of the bread. 

Added: on June 24th, 2005 at 3:39 AM | Viewed: 1457 times | Comments (1)

Poet: Gerard Manley Hopkins
Poem: The Half-way House

Poem of the Day on:
Mar 12 2007

Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, The Half-way House, has received one comment so far. Click here to read it, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins with others on the Poetry Connection poetry forum!