E-Text

Christina Rossetti: Poems

Devotional Pieces: Long Barren


Thou who didst hang upon a barren tree,

My God, for me;

Though I till now be barren, now at length

Lord, give me strength

To bring forth fruit to Thee.


Thou who didst bear for me the crown of thorn,

Spitting and scorn;

Though I till now have put forth thorns, yet now

Strengthen me Thou

That better fruit be borne. 10


Thou Rose of Sharon, Cedar of broad roots,

Vine of sweet fruits,

Thou Lily of the vale with fadeless leaf,

Of thousands Chief,

Feed Thou my feeble shoots.