Classic Christian Poetry: Christina Rossetti’s “Up-Hill”

Christina Rossetti, a 19th century poet and the sister of the Pre-Raphaelite artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti, was a devout Anglican whose deep Christian faith was expressed in many of her poems. Her work is an example of classic Christian poetry:  truth and beauty together. Here is “Up-Hill,” one of her most famous works. She uses plain, direct language in the form of an imagined dialogue between two unnamed speakers to present a profound image of the Christian life.

Up-Hill — Christina Rossetti

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when ‘ust in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labor you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.

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