Classic and Contemporary Poetry
PARABLE, by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS Poet's Biography First Line: The young man who had great possessions dreamed Last Line: Ever went empty-handed from his door. Alternate Author Name(s): Howells, W. D. Subject(s): Good Samaritan; Jesus Christ; Poverty | ||||||||
The young man who had great possessions dreamed That once again he came to Christ and seemed To hear Him making answer as before, "Sell all thou hast and give unto the poor, And come and follow me." And now he did In all immediately as Jesus bid. Then some of them to whom he gave his wealth Mocked at him for a fool or mad, by stealth Or openly; and others he could see Wasting his substance with a spendthrift glee; And others yet were tempted, and drawn in The ways of sin that had not dreamed of sin: Others, besides, that took were robbed and killed: Some that had toiled their whole lives were unwilled By riches, and began the life accurst Of idleness, like rich men from the first. Some hid his money in the earth, a root From which should grow a flower of deadly fruit; Some kept, and put it out at usury, And made men slaves with it that had been free. The young man's dream was broken with his grief, And he awoke to his immense relief, And wept for joy, and cried, "He could not know What dire results from His behest would flow! I must not follow Him, but I can fulfil The spirit, if not the letter, of His will. Seeing the things I have been shown in sleep, I realize how much better 'twere to keep The means that Providence has bestowed on me, Doubtless for some wise purpose, and to be The humble agency and instrument Of good to others not intelligent Enough to use the gifts of God aright." He rose up with a heart at peace, and light; And thenceforth none of the Deserving Poor Ever went empty-handed from his door. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE WEALTH OF THE DESTITUTE by DENISE LEVERTOV EMPTY PITCHFORKS by THOMAS LUX FUNERAL SERVICE by EVE MERRIAM A SMALL COUNTRY by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA DOCUMENTAL by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA NOTES ON POVERTY by HAYDEN CARRUTH SONG OF TWO CROWS by HAYDEN CARRUTH PENCIL STUB JOURNALS: CHOICES by JOHN CIARDI AT LAST WE KILLED THE ROACHES by LUCILLE CLIFTON |
|