The Thursday Poem

Young Woman Reading by a Window by Delphin Enjolras


Up-Hill

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day's journey take the while long day?
From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.

Christina Rosetti
(5th December 1830 - 29th December 1894)

From the book: Poem for the Day One