Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DEBT by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR

Poem Explanation

First Line: THIS IS THE DEBT I PAY
Last Line: GOD! BUT THE INTEREST!
Subject(s): DEBT; GUILT; RELIGION; THEOLOGY;
This is the debt I pay
Just for one riotous day,
Years of regret and grief,
Sorrow without relief.
Pay it I will to the end-
Until the grave, my friend,
Gives me a true release-
Gives me the clasp of peace.
Slight was the thing I bought,
Small was the debt I thought,
Poor was the loan at best-
God! but the interest!


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