<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">Lenten Communion</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Rest</span> in a friend's house, Dear, I pray:</p><p class="line">The way is long to Good Friday,</p><p class="line">And very chill and grey the way.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">No crocus with its shining cup,</p><p class="line">Nor the gold daffodil is up, --</p><p class="line">Nothing is here save the snowdrop.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Sit down with me and taste good cheer:</p><p class="line">Too soon, too soon, Thy Passion's here;</p><p class="line">The wind is keen and the skies drear.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Sit by my fire and break my bread.</p><p class="line">Yea, from Thy dish may I be fed,</p><p class="line">And under Thy feet my hair spread!</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Lord, in the quiet, chill and sweet,</p><p class="line">Let me pour water for Thy feet,</p><p class="line">While the crowd goes by in the Street.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Why wouldst Thou dream of spear or sword,</p><p class="line">Or of the ingrate rabble, Lord?</p><p class="line">There is no sound save the song of a bird.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Let us sit down and talk at ease</p><p class="line">About Thy Father's business.</p><p class="line">(What shouts were those borne on the breeze?)</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Nay, Lord, it cannot be for Thee</p><p class="line">They raise the tallest cross of the three</p><p class="line">On yon dark Mount of Calvary!</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">So soon, so soon, the hour's flown!</p><p class="line">The glory's dying: Thou art gone</p><p class="line">Out on Thy lonely way, alone.</p></div></body></html> · Great War