I bought the complete poetical works of Christina Rossetti about a month ago for my kindle and most nights I read a few poems. Rossetti is a very interesting person and poet, for though many might baulk at the devotional themes that often characterize her writing, she is really very skillful at her craft. 

Writing in the 19th Century as she did presents some mild challenges for a modern reader, who might find her expression old fashioned and her topic matter outdated. It will come as no surprise to you that I think no such thing. Here is one of her sonnets which illustrates the point I am making. If you would like to know the origins of  her topic, then have a look at Ecclesiastes 1 in the Old Testament.

Vanity of Vanities

Ah, woe is me for pleasure that is vain,
Ah, woe is me for glory that is past.

Pleasure that bringeth sorrow at the last,

Glory that at the last bringeth no gain!

So saith the sinking heart; and so again

It shall say till the mighty angel-blast

Is blown, making the sun and moon aghast

And showering down the stars like sudden rain.

And evermore men shall go fearfully

Bending beneath their weight of heaviness;

And ancient men shall lie down wearily,

And strong men shall rise up in weariness,

Yes, even the young shall answer sighingly

Saying one to another: How vain it is!