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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HOLY INNOCENTS (2), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: They scarcely waked before they slept
Last Line: Dear mothers, come: for heaven is best.
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina
Subject(s): Death - Children; Heaven; Death - Babies; Paradise


THEY scarcely waked before they slept,
They scarcely wept before they laughed;
They drank indeed death's bitter draught,
But all its bitterest dregs were kept
And drained by Mothers while they wept.

From Heaven the speechless Infants speak:
Weep not (they say), our Mothers dear,
For swords nor sorrows come not here.
Now we are strong who were so weak,
And all is ours we could not seek.

We bloom among the blooming flowers,
We sing among the singing birds;
Wisdom we have who wanted words:
Here morning knows not evening hours,
All's rainbow here without the showers.

And softer than our Mother's breast,
And closer than our Mother's arm,
Is here the Love that keeps us warm
And broods above our happy nest.
Dear Mothers, come: for Heaven is best.





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