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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A DOOR OPENED IN HEAVEN, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It seemed not as a dream, and yet I stood Last Line: For trials lost, be shed beyond the grave. Subject(s): Heaven; Paradise | |||
"I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven." REVELATIONS, IV., 31. IT seemed not as a dream, and yet I stood Beside Heaven's gate. Its mighty valves were loosed, And upward, from earth's tribulation, came A soul, whose passport, signed in Calvary's blood, Prevailed. Around the golden threshold's verge I saw the dazzling of celestial wings, Thronging to welcome it. The towering form Of an archangel bore it company Up to God's throne. Soft on my ear their tones, Serenely wafted by ambrosial gales, Fell like rich music. "Wherefore didst thou pass Weeping along thy pilgrimage?" inquired The sinless seraph. "Thorns beset my path. I sought and found not. I obtained and mourned. I loved and lost. Ingratitude and Hate Did whet their serpent tooth upon my fame. My wealth took wing. I planted seeds of bliss, And sorrow blossomed." But the risen from earth Faltered to mark that high archangel's glance Bent downward with surprise, as though it asked -- "Had thy felicity no deeper root, Thou sky-born soul, for whom the Son of God Bowed to be crucified?" So when I saw, Or dreamed I saw, that even in Heaven might dwell Reproof and penitence, I prayed to look Ever upon that flood of light which gilds Each morning with its mercy, and whose beams Are brightened every moment, and to bear God's discipline with gladness; that no tear For trials lost, be shed beyond the grave. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE END OF LIFE by PHILIP JAMES BAILEY SEVEN TWILIGHTS: 6 by CONRAD AIKEN THE BOOK OF THE DEAD MAN (#19): 2. MORE ABOUT THE DEAD MAN AND WINTER by MARVIN BELL THE WORLDS IN THIS WORLD by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR A SKELETON FOR MR. PAUL IN PARADISE; AFTER ALLAN GUISINGER by NORMAN DUBIE BEAUTY & RESTRAINT by DANIEL HALPERN HOW IT WILL HAPPEN, WHEN by DORIANNE LAUX IF THIS IS PARADISE by DORIANNE LAUX COLUMBUS [JANUARY, 1487] by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY |
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