Nuns Of The Perpetual Adoration Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GHIH JKJK LDLD MDMD NONO| Calm sad secure behind high convent walls | A |
| These watch the sacred lamp these watch and pray | B |
| And it is one with them when evening falls | A |
| And one with them the cold return of day | B |
| - | |
| These heed not time their nights and days they make | C |
| Into a long returning rosary | D |
| Whereon their lives are threaded for Christ's sake | C |
| Meekness and vigilance and chastity | D |
| - | |
| A vowed patrol in silent companies | E |
| Life long they keep before the living Christ | F |
| In the dim church their prayers and penances | E |
| Are fragrant incense to the Sacrificed | F |
| - | |
| Outside the world is wild and passionate | G |
| Man's weary laughter and his sick despair | H |
| Entreat at their impenetrable gate | I |
| They heed no voices in their dream of prayer | H |
| - | |
| They saw the glory of the world displayed | J |
| They saw the bitter of it and the sweet | K |
| They knew the roses of the world should fade | J |
| And be trod under by the hurrying feet | K |
| - | |
| Therefore they rather put away desire | L |
| And crossed their hands and came to sanctuary | D |
| And veiled their heads and put on coarse attire | L |
| Because their comeliness was vanity | D |
| - | |
| And there they rest they have serene insight | M |
| Of the illuminating dawn to be | D |
| Mary's sweet Star dispels for them the night | M |
| The proper darkness of humanity | D |
| - | |
| Calm sad secure with faces worn and mild | N |
| Surely their choice of vigil is the best | O |
| Yea for our roses fade the world is wild | N |
| But there beside the altar there is rest | O |
Ernest Dowson
(1)
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About Nuns Of The Perpetual Adoration
Nuns Of The Perpetual Adoration is a poem by Ernest Dowson. This page includes the poem text, poet information, related topics, comments, and similar poems.