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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE VAGABOND, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poem Explanation Poet Analysis
First Line: Tormented day and night by fleas
Last Line: And eat up all the bloody food!'
Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H.
Subject(s): Social Problems; Wandering & Wanderers; Wanderlust; Vagabonds; Tramps; Hoboes
First Line: Tormented day and night by fleas
Last Line: And eat up all the bloody food!'
Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H.
Subject(s): Social Problems; Wandering & Wanderers; Wanderlust; Vagabonds; Tramps; Hoboes
Tormented day and night by fleas,
With but your shadow for a friend –
Have you no wish that such a life
Were coming to a quiet end?
'Had I no life there'd be no shadow,
And worms would pick my bones,' he said;
'And shall I make that damned mistake,
And wish that I were cold and dead?
My fleas but bite, and keep me warm,
And worms would do me little good;
My shadow follows – though I swear
And eat up all the bloody food!'
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