Break
the box and shed the nard;
Stop not now to count the cost;
Hither bring
pearl, opal, sard;
Reck not what the poor have lost;
Upon Christ throw all
away:
Know ye, this is Easter Day.
Build His church and deck His shrine;
Empty
though it be on earth;
Ye have kept your choicest wine-
Let it flow for
heavenly mirth;
Pluck the harp and breathe the horn:
Know ye not 'tis Easter
mom?
Gather gladness from the skies;
Take a lesson from the ground;
Flowers
do ope their heavenward eyes
And a Spring-time joy have found;
Earth throws
Winter's robes away,
Decks herself for Easter Day.
Beauty now for ashes
wear,
Perfumes for the garb of woe.
Chaplets for dishevelled hair,
Dances
for sad footsteps slow;
Open wide your hearts that they
Let in joy this
Easter Day.
Seek God's house in happy throng;
Crowded let His table be;
Mingle
praises, prayer and song,
Singing to the Trinity.
Henceforth let your souls
alway
Make each morn an Easter Day.
Gerald Manley Hopkins
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