 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
The Task
Thy cross is hard to bear it weighs me downE'en to the earth where on my feet must tread
Yet I by this must gain the wished for crown
And find the spirit in the body dead
Hard is the lesson patience gives to learn
Yet when tis past sweet comfort 'twill bestow
And thou wilt cheer me for I cannot turn
But must in thee to manly stature grow
Oh lift me up with every passing hour
Some higher and still higher sight to gain
Till I am raised above temptation's power
And find in thee relief from every pain
For thou wilt give to those who ask aright
To taste thy cup and portion of delight.
Poem No. 711; fall 1838–summer 1839
| Jones Very : The Complete Poems | |