Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LAST DITCH, by SADIE FULLER SEAGRAVE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LAST DITCH, by                    
First Line: Her open window caught the beating sun
Last Line: And saw gray locusts swarming down a field!
Subject(s): Poverty


Her open window caught the beating sun,
Her shoulders sagged, with kitchen work half done.
She shook her head, and marvelled at a wren
Still chirping blithely in this world of men.
Was there a time, she wondered, when she planned
To feed her family with a lavish hand?
A roasted fowl, deep bowls of fruit and cream --
Had such things been, or was it just a dream?

Was there a time her head had lifted high,
Nor feared appraising glance from passersby?
Her Monday wash hung flecked with curdled grime,
No soap to cut the water's heavy lime!
Sweetness and light? O, maybe, long ago --
Not yeast enough -- she slapped the heavy dough,
Sour bread again -- poor food for hungry folk --
Perhaps if she could smile, call it a joke --

She squared her shoulders, groped for sword and shield,
And saw gray locusts swarming down a field!





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