Religion

Joy is but sorrow

by Christina Rossetti 1830–1894

From Verses (1893)

Religion

Joy is but sorrow,
While we know
It ends to-morrow:—
Even so!
Joy with lifted veil
Shows a face as pale
As the fair changing moon so fair and frail.

Pain is but pleasure,
If we know
It heaps up treasure:—
Even so!
Turn, transfigured Pain,
Sweetheart, turn again,
For fair thou art as moonrise after rain.

✦ ✦ ✦

Verses (1893), section: Songs for Strangers and Pilgrims.

MLA

Rossetti, Christina. “Joy is but sorrow.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/rossetti_c/836/.

Chicago

Rossetti, Christina. “Joy is but sorrow.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/rossetti_c/836/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Christina Rossetti