After Communion
After Communion
Original Text
Poems of Christina Rossetti, ed. William M. Rossetti (London: Macmillan, 1904), 95.
1Why should I call Thee Lord, Who art my God?
2 Why should I call Thee Friend, Who are my Love?
3 Or King, Who art my very Spouse above?
4Or call Thy sceptre on my heart Thy rod?
6All heaven flies open to me at Thy nod:
8 Made me a nest for dwelling of Thy Dove.
9 What wilt Thou call me in our home above,
10Who now hast called me friend? how will it be
12Now Thou dost bid me come and sup with Thee,
13 Now Thou dost make me lean upon Thy breast:
Notes
5] "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love" (Song of Solomon 2:4). Back to Line
7] The Holy Spirit appears in the Bible as both flames and a dove. Back to Line
11] This is an allusion to the wedding of Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine (John 2:1-10). Back to Line
14] time of love: "Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine" (Ezekiel 16:8). Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1867
RPO poem Editors
Marc R. Plamondon
RPO Edition
2006
Rhyme
Form