 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
Christmas
Awake ye dead! the summons has gone forth,That bids you leave the dark enclosing grave;
From east to west 'tis heard, from south to north
The word goes forth the imprisoned souls to save;
Though ye have on the garments of the dead,
And the fourth day have slept within the earth,
Come forth! you shall partake the living bread,
And be a witness of the spirit's birth;
Awake ye faithful! throw your grave clothes by,
He whom you seek is risen, he bids you rise;
The cross again on earth is lifted high,
Turn to its healing sight your closing eyes;
And you shall rise and gird your armor on,
And fight till you a crown in Christ have won.
Poem No. 59; late 1838–early 1839
| Jones Very : The Complete Poems | |