"Up-Hill" by Christina Rossetti

"Dusk" oil on canvas by Liam Aaron

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 just in sight?
     They will not keep you waiting 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.

"Up-Hill" by Christina Rossetti, from Poems. © Everyman's Library, 1993.