Francis Thompson
1859-1907 19th century
God pursuing the one who runs, and reaching him at the end of the running.
Who was Francis Thompson?
Son of a Catholic doctor, expelled from seminary, a medical student who failed six years running, he spent three winters homeless on the London embankments, selling matches and dependent on opium first taken for pain. A couple of editors found him in 1888 and published his poems. He died of tuberculosis at forty-seven.
In their own words
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years.
All which I took from thee I did but take, not for thy harms, but just that thou might'st seek it in my arms.
Halts by me that footfall: is my gloom, after all, shade of His hand, outstretched caressingly.
The angels keep their ancient places; turn but a stone, and start a wing.