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Rossetti, Christina - Heart
Identifier
004745
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
The illustration is by Christina Rossetti's brother Dante Gabriel and is entitled "Paolo and Francesca da Rimini" 1855
A description of the experience
The heart
(adapted from a poem by Rossetti)
I took my heart in my hand
I said to my partner ‘let me fall or stand
Let me live or die
But this once hear me speak’.
But a woman’s words are weak
He spoke, not I
He took my heart in his hand
With a critical eye he scanned
Then set it down
And said ‘it is unripe, better to wait and see
Wait till you’ve worked, supported me
Wait …… all with a frown
As he set it down it broke
Oh the hurt at the words he spoke
At the judgement I had just heard
And from then I did not often smile
And did not laugh or love awhile
I did not sing like a little bird
I took my heart in my hand
My broken heart in my hand
And gave it to you
My hope was written on sand
But I let your judgement stand
What would you do?
‘This heart’ I said ‘this defective heart
Take it and tell me - can it be healed
Both within and without?
Refine with your love, purge rejections dross away
And hold it in your hand so tightly it will stay
So that no one can pluck it out
You took my heart in your hand
And now before you I stand.
All that I have I bring.
My heart with you shall live.
All that I am I give.
Smile and your little bird shall sing
