CHRISTHOOD AND ITS CALVARY
From childhood to manhood through Christhood to Godhood is a progression that Noyes sees clearly and makes us see as clearly. Somehow Christ is very real to Noyes. He is not a historical character far off. He is the Christ of here and now; the Christ that meets our every need; as real as a dearly beloved friend next door to us. No poet sees the Christ more clearly.
First he caught the meanings of Christ's gospel of new birth. He was not confused on that. He knows:
"The task is hard to learn
While all the songs of Spring return
Along the blood and sing.
"Yet hear—from her deep skies,
How Art, for all your pain, still cries,
Ye must be born again!"
Collected Poems by Alfred Noyes.
And who could put his worship more beautifully than the poet does in
"The Symbolist"?
"Help me to seek that unknown land!
I kneel before the shrine.
Help me to feel the hidden hand
That ever holdeth mine.
"I kneel before the Word, I kneel
Before the Cross of flame.
I cry, as through the gloom I steal,
The glory of the Name."
Collected Poems by Alfred Noyes.