"A Rhyme of Death's Inn" (A Poem)

From “The Deserted House” and “All Hallows Night” to “The Dead Ship” and “The Death Potion,” the occult was a major theme in the poetical works of Lizette Woodworth Reese. In this poem, akin to her work on Halloween, the author examines the fleeting nature of life.

 

A rhyme of good Death's inn!

My love came to that door;

And she had need of many things,

The way had been so sore. 

 

My love she lifted up her head,

“And is there room?” said she;

“There was no room in Bethlehem's inn

For Christ who died for me.”

 

But said the keeper of the inn,

“His name is on the door.”

My love then straightway entered there:

She hath come back no more.[1]

 

Works Referenced

 

Reese, Lizette Woodworth. “A Rhyme of Death's Inn.” A Handful of Lavender. Boston, MA: Houghton, Mifflin, and Company, 1891. 36.

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[1] Reese, 36.