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The poems of Mary Howitt cover

The poems of Mary Howitt

Chapter 88: MOURNING ON EARTH.
By Mary Howitt
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Poetry

About This Book

A varied volume of lyrical and narrative poems, hymns, and moral pieces that blend domestic sentiment, Christian reflection, and close observation of the natural world. Organized into thematic sections—hymns and fireside verses, birds and flowers, sketches of natural history, tales in verse, and miscellaneous pieces—the poems range from gentle meditations on mortality and virtue to ballads and dramatic monologues, often aimed at or suitable for young readers. The collection pairs simple didactic storytelling with vivid rural imagery, and is accompanied by a brief memoir outlining the poet’s upbringing and literary influences.

MOURNING ON EARTH.

She lay down in her poverty,
Toil-stricken, though so young;
And the words of human sorrow
Fell trembling from her tongue.
There were palace-houses round her;
And pomp and pride swept by
The walls of that poor chamber,
Where she lay down to die.
Two were abiding with her,
The lowly of the earth,—
Her feeble, weeping sister,
And she who gave her birth.
She lay down in her poverty,
Toil-stricken, though so young;
And the words of human sorrow
Fell from her trembling tongue.
“Oh, Lord, thick clouds of darkness
About my soul are spread,
And the waters of affliction
Have gathered o’er my head!
“Yet what is life? A desert,
Whose cheering springs are dry,
A weary, barren wilderness!—
Still it is hard to die!
“For love, the clinging, deathless,
Is with my life entwined;
And the yearning spirit doth rebel
To leave the weak behind!
“Oh Saviour, who didst drain the dregs
Of human woe and pain,
In this, the fiercest trial-hour,
My doubting soul sustain!
“I sink, I sink! support me;
Deep waters round me roll!
I fear! I faint! O Saviour,
Sustain my sinking soul!”