Ave Maria Gratia Plena

WAS this His coming! I had hoped to see
A scene of wondrous glory, as was told
Of some great God who in a rain of gold
Broke open bars and fell on Danae:
Or a dread vision as when Semele
Sickening for love and unappeased desire
Prayed to see God’s clear body, and the fire
Caught her brown limbs and slew her utterly:
With such glad dreams I sought this holy place,
And now with wondering eyes and heart I stand
Before this supreme mystery of Love:
Some kneeling girl with passionless pale face,
An angel with a lily in his hand,
And over both the white wings of a Dove.
FLORENCE.

About Oscar Wilde

Irish poet, playwright, and wit. His verse ranges from lush aestheticism to the profound "Ballad of Reading Gaol."

More poems by Oscar Wilde

View all Oscar Wilde poems →

More Faith & Spirituality poems

View all Faith & Spirituality poems →