Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE HOARDINGS, by JOHN GOULD FLETCHER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE HOARDINGS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When into the town I go
Last Line: Fresh from out the teeming earth!
Subject(s): Greed; London; Avarice; Cupidity


WHEN into the town I go,
Under sad and leaden skies
I see hoardings, row on row,
Flare in pink and yellow dyes.
Glittering promises they bear:
Food to gorge and drink to swill;
Spectacles of pleasure rare,
Cures for every mortal ill.
'Tis man's paradise of hope
Mocking starving winter's night;
Filling wretched souls who grope,
With a gorgeous lie of might!
Poet, do not vainly dream
Of a past forgot for long,
Let the wonderful hoardings stream
In their splendour through your song.
Fling away the beautiful,
Withered flower of ancient birth:
See! It springs in blossom full,
Fresh from out the teeming earth!





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