Religion

The Christ-Sword

by George William Russell (A.E.) 1867–1935

From Collected Poems (1913)

Religion

The while my mad brain whirled around
She only looked with eyes elate
Immortal love at me. I found
How deep the glance of love can wound,
How cruel pity is to hate.

I was begirt with hostile spears:
My angel warred in me for you
Whose gentle calmness all too fierce
Made unseen lightnings to pierce
My heart that dripped with ruddy dew.

I know how on the final day
The hosts of darkness meet with death:
The angels with their love shall slay,
Flowing to meet the dark array
With terrible yet tender breath.

MLA

George William Russell (A.E.). “The Christ-Sword.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/russell_ge/153/.

Chicago

George William Russell (A.E.). “The Christ-Sword.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/russell_ge/153/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by George William Russell (A.E.)