Poems (Barrett)/The Meaning of the Look
THE MEANING OF THE LOOK.
I think that look of Christ might seem to say—"Thou Peter! art thou then a common stoneWhich I at last must break my heart upon,For all God's charge, to His high angels, mayGuard my foot better? Did I yesterdayWash thy feet, my beloved, that they should runQuick to deny me 'neath the morning-sun,—And do thy kisses, like the rest, betray?—The cock crows coldly.—Go, and manifestA late contrition, but no bootless fear!For when thy deathly need is bitterest,Thou shalt not be denied, as I am here—My voice, to God and angels, shall attest,—Because I know this man, let him be clear."