Between the Gates
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and mortality through the story of a young couple separated by death. The speaker reflects on their time together and the pain of being parted from one another in life and beyond.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1831 · Genre: Spiritual Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Religious Poetry · 295 words
First lines
Between the gates of birth and death An old and saintly pilgrim passed, With look of one who witnesseth The long-sought goal at last.
O thou whose reverent feet have found The Master's footprints in thy way, And walked thereon as holy ground, A boon of thee I pray.
"My lack would borrow thy excess, My feeble faith the strength of thine; I need thy soul's white saintliness To hide the stains of mine.
"The grace and favor else denied May well be granted for thy sake. " So, tempted, doubting, sorely tried, A younger pilgrim spake.
What this Textopian page supports
Between the Gates is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1831 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1831 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Spiritual Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 295 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Between the Gates by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Spiritual Poetry — The work explores themes of spirituality, faith, and the journey of the soul, characteristic of spiritual poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — It delves into philosophical questions about life, death, and the nature of existence.
- Religious Poetry — The text reflects religious themes, including prayer, grace, and the relationship between humanity and the divine.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional expression throughout the poem aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · New England · Autobiographical Elements · Free Verse · Nature Imagery · Spirituality · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophical Themes · Personal Reflections