Christina G. Rossetti (1830–1894)

July 16

HAVE I not striven, my God, and watched and prayed?

Have I not wrestled in mine agony?

Wherefore dost Thou still turn Thy Face from me?

Is Thine Arm shortened that Thou canst not aid?

Thy silence breaks my heart: speak though to upbraid,

For Thy rebuke yet bids us follow Thee.

I grope and grasp not; gaze, but cannot see.

When out of sight and reach, my bed is made,

And piteous men and women cease to blame,

Whispering and wistful of my gain or loss;

Thou who for my sake once didst feel the Cross,

Lord, wilt Thou turn and look upon me then,

And in Thy glory bring to nought my shame,

Confessing me to angels and to men?