Poems (Menie Parkes 1867)

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867). This was one of three poems entitled “Hymn” that appeared in the book.] Hymn. Pardon! For yet again I dare To lift mine eyes in anxious prayer, And plead Thy love against my sin, And to Thy mercy venture … [Read more...] about Hymn [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] There’s Something in Religion. There’s something in religion; Scoff at it as you will, Yet when your sneers are over, There’s something in it still: Else what can raise the widow’s eye? What still the … [Read more...] about There’s Something in Religion [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] One Word. A little word, a little word, And very lightly spoken! ’Twas gently uttered, gaily heard, Answered with smiles unbroken; Yet it struck like heavy lead, Scorched as hissing fire, Pierced me … [Read more...] about One Word [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] To My Heart. Hark! Heaven is waiting! Your own pulse is still, Ceasing its beating To listen your will. Against the God-Father Will you declare? Or will you not, rather, Bow to Him there? Oh, … [Read more...] about To My Heart [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Aspiration. Closer yet! closer yet, Thou King of Grace, Up to Thy loving heart, Up to Thy face, Draw me with steady care — Sun-chains of love — Up earth’s uneven stair, To Thy heart … [Read more...] about Aspiration [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867). This was one of three poems entitled “Hymn” that appeared in the book.] Hymn. Come, Spirit of the Living God! I hate the ways of sin; Take hold of my unworthy heart, And deign to dwell therein. Black … [Read more...] about Hymn [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Beneath the Surface. I gazed on earth and on earthly scenes, On human passions and pride; “Oh, would that I knew what the Master means To end this struggle!” I sighed. A fluttering thrill and a … [Read more...] about Beneath the Surface [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Christ Is All. If thou wert old and withered, And care weighed heavy now, Thine eyes were dim and aching, And wrinkles on thy brow; It might be thou couldst easily Thine every hope recall — “I would … [Read more...] about Christ Is All [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] All In All. Christ is All! Hast thou one need, One want he cannot meet? Didst at His cross unheeded lie, Or helpless at His feet? Thou canst not say it: thou dost know He came before thy call; Poor … [Read more...] about All In All [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] A War Cry. Up, up! God’s children in the land; Ye little feeble scattered band! From east and west, and south and north, Bring all your gathering numbers forth! God has a mighty work to do, And asks … [Read more...] about A War Cry [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] On My Birthday. Another gift! another gift! It matters not, my Father, That kindly hearts their wishes send, And smiles around me gather. Unless thy down-bent smile is gazing And my glad heart to thee … [Read more...] about On My Birthday [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Hush! Thou Wild, Wild Sea. Hush, thou wild, wild sea! Cease calling unto me With thy rough, raging voices! I cannot bear thy mournful tones, I quail before those shrieks and groans, Like as a fiend … [Read more...] about Hush! Thou Wild, Wild Sea [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] A Fragment. Two natures in my being strive for power, And I lie passive as the battle-field Beneath the tread of armies. Fair, Decked in the wealth of God’s great gifts, The earth smiles up to God’s … [Read more...] about A Fragment [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Despair and Hope. A blackness had gathered above my life, Like the pall of a cloudy night, And I trembled and shook in the horror vast, In the grasp of a dread affright. For I knew that the awful … [Read more...] about Despair and Hope [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] A Contrast. Fire in her cheek, fire on her brow — The radiant fire of beauty; It hurt you with its glittering glow, From dazzling comb to glancing shoe-tie. Which glittered most, her dress or … [Read more...] about A Contrast [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] On a Fair Day. Oh, calm and wide, the smile of Heaven, Sets all the world aglow; Look up, look up, sad heart, forgiven, God’s smile is shining — even so. Oh, fresh and free, the cooling wind O’er … [Read more...] about On a Fair Day [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Christ of Calvary. Some smiles are soft as sleeping babe’s, Or sunrise softening in the east, Or thrilling breeze at sultry noon, Or fresh flowers at a marriage feast; But one there is that stills my … [Read more...] about Christ of Calvary [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Neither Cold Nor Hot. Lord, lay Thy hand on me With tender strength; Turn my tired heart to Thee In peace, at length. What aid mankind could give I asked and sought; Alas! ’twas no relief, Tho’ … [Read more...] about Neither Cold Nor Hot [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Travelling in a Circle. My heart was sleeping, sleeping soundly, Untouched by any pain; When God called me, called me loudly, Called and called again. It awakened: could it other? Fell down at His … [Read more...] about Travelling in a Circle [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Too Late. Speak, speak! I am waiting all breathless; The air is not stirred by one wave From my lips; Your words will in import be deathless — Life’s eclipse, Or a music unstilled by the … [Read more...] about Too Late [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Gone! Our boy is gone! — Our tenderest one! — He of the holy eye, and pale, pure brow! He will not smile so fondly o’er us now. He lieth cold, And his worn arms fold Calmly over his silent, … [Read more...] about Gone! [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] Last Night. What, tell you of that night, Annie! That blest and holy night, Annie! My heart is beating fast; I think there’s too much light, Annie; I think the dream’s too bright, Annie; Oh, will it, … [Read more...] about Last Night [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867). This was one of three poems entitled “Hymn” that appeared in the book.] Hymn. None may, none can the Heavens approach, Who hath not washed the strong reproach Of sin, that may not there encroach, From … [Read more...] about Hymn [poem by Menie Parkes]

[Editor: This poem by Menie Parkes was published in Poems (1867).] The Poet’s Death. Sorrow had chilled his heart, and he stood Alone, ’midst the busy crowd, And mournfully looked for a friendly smile;— Lo! death, and he bare a shroud. “I am the friend you seek,” he … [Read more...] about The Poet’s Death [poem by Menie Parkes]