Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894) was an English poet who wrote a variety of romantic, devotional and children's poems. Some other poems that she wrote are 'Goblin Market' and 'Remember.'
Does the road wind uphill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the days 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 waiting 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.
The poem follows a question and answer pattern. Do you identify with the questions or the answers? Why?
What kind of journey is this?
Describe the hardship the traveller is thinking about.
There is promise of reward. What will be rewarded?
What are the encouragements given to the traveller?
Do you think there is hope at the end of the journey? What makes you think so?