The Purple Thread Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: AB CDDCCDDCEFGFEG HIIHHIIHGJGJGG| 'The priests distributed various coloured silken threads to weave for the veil of the sanctuary and it fell to Mary's lot to weave purple ' | A |
| The Book of the Bee ch XXXIV | B |
| I | - |
| THE chosen maidens Weavers of the Veil | C |
| Kneeling in crescent from the High Priest took | D |
| Their wisps of silk in slender hands that shook | D |
| Lifting the colors to their lips rose pale | C |
| With holy passion colors like the frail | C |
| Spring flowers of Carmel blue as that glad look | D |
| Of dancing iris scarlet as a nook | D |
| Of wild anemones or gold as sail | C |
| Seen from its summit 'neath the Syrian moon | E |
| But Mary caught her breath in one swift sob | F |
| Of pain uncomprehended ere it fled | G |
| Leaving her heart with some strange fear a throb | F |
| For the wise priest as one conferring boon | E |
| Had meted out to her a purple thread | G |
| II | - |
| O mothers of the race ye bless d ones | H |
| Who weave with cherubim the veil before | I |
| The Holy Place of God the mystic door | I |
| Of life proud mothers of belov d sons | H |
| To day you send them forth to front the guns | H |
| Waving your boys farewell with smiles that pour | I |
| Strength into their young souls Your prayers implore | I |
| The Mercy Seat your love an angel runs | H |
| Before them with wild shielding arms outspread | G |
| O Weavers of the Veil however varies | J |
| The silk assigned exceeding great reward | G |
| Is yours for you O you most sacred Maries | J |
| To whom is given grief's royal purple thread | G |
| Make beautiful the temple of the Lord | G |
Katharine Lee Bates
(1)
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About The Purple Thread
The Purple Thread is a poem by Katharine Lee Bates. This page includes the poem text, poet information, related topics, comments, and similar poems.
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