Whate’er is Born of Mortal Birth,
Must be consumed with the Earth
To rise from Generation free:
Then what have I to do with thee?
The sexes sprung from Shame & Pride
Blowd in the morn; in evening died
But Mercy changd Death into Sleep;
The Sexes rose to work & weep.
Thou Mother of my Mortal part,
With cruelty didst mould my Heart.
And with false self-decieving tears,
Didst bind my Nostrils Eyes & Ears.
Didst close my Tongue in senseless clay
And me to Mortal Life betray:
The Death of Jesus set me free.
Them what have I to do with thee?
Questions to answer on the poem
What effects are created when the poem is read aloud or sung?
What interests you most about the poem? Why?
What questions might you ask about the poem?
What is the poem about?
What effects does the language create?
What is the effect of the poem’s structure and form?
What are the similarities and differences between other texts?
How do other people interpret this poem? Find sources/links…
What might make a good creative response to the poem?
How might you teach this poem?
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