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1830–1894

BIRD OR BEAST?

Christina Georgina Rossetti

Did any bird come flying After Adam and Eve, When the door was shut against them And they sat down to grieve?

I think not Eve's peacock Splendid to see, And I think not Adam's eagle; But a dove may be.

Did any beast come pushing Through the thorny hedge Into the thorny thistly world, Out from Eden's edge?

I think not a lion, Though his strength is such; But an innocent loving lamb May have done as much.

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BIRD OR BEAST? · Christina Georgina Rossetti · Poetry Cove