Poem by Helen Gray Cone

A Resurrection

 Neither would they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

  I was quick in the flesh, was warm, and the live heart shook my breast;
    In the market I bought and sold, in the temple I bowed my head.
  I had swathed me in shows and forms, and was honored above the rest
    For the sake of the life I lived; nor did any esteem me dead.

  But at last, when the hour was ripe—was it sudden-remembered word?
    Was it sight of a bird that mounted, or sound of a strain that
          stole?
  I was 'ware of a spell that snapped, of an inward strength that
        stirred,
    Of a Presence that filled that place; and it shone, and I knew
          my Soul.

  And the dream I had called my life was a garment about my feet,
    For the web of the years was rent with the throe of a
          yearning strong.
  With a sweep as of winds in heaven, with a rush as of flames that meet,
    The Flesh and the Spirit clasped; and I cried, "Was I dead so long?"

  I had glimpse of the Secret, flashed through the symbol obscure
        and mean,
    And I felt as a fire what erst I repeated with lips of clay;
  And I knew for the things eternal the things eye hath not seen;
    Yea, the heavens and the earth shall pass; but they never
          shall pass away.

  And the miracle on me wrought, in the streets I would straight
        make known:
    "When this marvel of mine is heard, without cavil shall men receive
  Any legend of haloed saint, staring up through the sealèd stone!"
    So I spake in the trodden ways; but behold, there would none believe!

1. Ivo of Chartres
2. Sere Wisdom
3. Madonna Pia
4. Thisbe
5. The Glorious Company

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