UP-HILL : A POEM
“UP-HILL” is a famous poem by the English poet Christina
Georgina Rossetti (1830-94). A devout
Anglican, she refused to marry two suitors because of religious differences. Unfortunately,
as she did not enjoy good health, she became an invalid for her last twenty
years and found consolation in her religious poetry and prose writings.
Literary historians have called her a great saint and a great poet. Her well-known
anthologies are Goblin Market and other
poems (1862), The Prince’s Progress and other poems (1866), and The Pageant and
other poems (1881). She is also known as a skilled sonnet-writer and most
of her sonnets are autobiographical.
UP-HILL is an allegorical poem based
on the hardships and challenges of life. It is about life’s difficult journey
and the restful end which death brings to all travelers.
The poem describes life’s strenuous struggle
through a dialogue which ends with hope and assurance of rest.
Here is the full text of the poem:
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 standing at that door.
Shall I find comfort, travel-sore
and weak?
Of labour you
shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all
who seek?
Yea, beds for all
who come.
******
G.R.Kanwal
16th July 2025
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