One of the Dead

'reflection on Christina Rossetti'

Paler, not quite so fair … her portrait 

haunts the mind’s eye, draws senses 

to closer examination --

the life’s lines so exquisitely stitched 

an indubitable testament 

to mastery, the matchless 

craftswoman comprehension 

of a soul’s roots -- grief’s low sobs. 

In the bleak mid-winter, fearing 

spring will never come, I wrap myself 

into the cocoon of the lamp 

she’s lit for us, the sad scribes 

so fixed to our melancholy looms,

to find my way home -- from Death’s back door.  

Ken e Bujold

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

She had a very famous brother but I know her for In the bleak mid winter. A beautiful poem that became a hymn which I sang with many others in assembly at school. A fine tribute Ken.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

yes most know her for the hymn A Bleak Mid-Winter and for her more famous brother Dante and to lesser extent her father. though all her siblings were writers. she also got lost in the shadows of E Barrett Browning and Emily D. Now, fortunately people have begun to reexamine Ms Rossetti. Her work has a darkness and originality that appeals to many, especially young feminists. For myself she has always been one of my go to victorians.

[Chris Shaw]

I have not given her as much attention as I have to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, so need to revisit. What a creative family she came from. Thank you Ken.

[Neville]

when it comes to little masterpieces, this just has to be one of them Ken .. now intrigued, I shall go look for her .. Neville

[W. Barrett Munn]

It’s always great when you introduce me to an unread poet, and after reading understand the desire to give honor. A truly fitting embrace of this Victorian’s talent.

Winston

[Ken e Bujold]

Rossetti is indeed a treasure. While never as popular in her lifetime as Browning or ED, i have always found a depth in her work that exceeds the other two. Also, given the fame of her family tree, it's understandable why she remained in the shadows. Time fortunately has been very kind to her. Entire study programs devoted to her now, and she deserves it. Glad to have intro you to her work. Read it, sure you will find a good deal of source material. Traditional in form, but much outside the box in terms of her thoughts