THE VOICE OF MY BELOVED

Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) was born and lived in London during the Victorian era. Her mother was English, and her father was Italian. Her brother Dante was a poet as well, but she shared beliefs with her older sister who became a nun. Twice she fell in love, but refused to marry because of religious scruples. She expressed herself in her fluent and musical poetry. A traditional Anglican, she wrote this beautiful poem in the person of Jesus.

The Voice of My Beloved

Once I ached for thy dear sake:
Wilt thou cause Me now to ache?
Once I bled for thee in pain:
Wilt thou rend my heart again?
Crown of thorns and shameful tree.
Bitter death I bore for thee,
Bore My Cross to carry thee,
And wilt thou have nought of Me?

Christina Rossetti



Poetry