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Up-hill

Rossetti, Christina (1830 - 1894)

Original Text: 
Macmillan's Magazine (Feb. 1861). AP 4 M2 ROBA AP M337 MICR mfm. Text from Christina Rossetti, Poems (1890).
1Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
2      Yes, to the very end.
3Will the day's journey take the whole long day?
4      From morn to night, my friend.
5But is there for the night a resting-place?
6      A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
7May not the darkness hide it from my face?
8      You cannot miss that inn.
9Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
10      Those who have gone before.
11Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
12      They will not keep you standing at that door.
13Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
14      Of labour you shall find the sum.
15Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
16      Yea, beds for all who come.

Notes

1] It was this lyric that first drew favourable public attention to Christina Rossetti's poetry. Back to Line
Publication Start Year: 
1861
RPO poem Editors: 
Margaret Frances (Sister St. Francis) Nims
RPO Edition: 
3RP 3.304.
Rhyme: 
abab