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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PRODIGAL'S BROTHER SPEAKS by BESS SAMUEL AYRES

First Line: EACH NIGHT HE TALKED OF DISTANT JOPPA'S LURE
Last Line: AND SHARE VICARIOUSLY HIS GARNERED SIGHTS.
Subject(s): BROTHERS; DUTY; FARM LIFE; TRAVEL; HALF-BROTHERS; AGRICULTURE; FARMERS; JOURNEYS; TRIPS;

Each night he talked of distant Joppa's lure,
Damascus, and the river Parpher's charm,
Until the vision goaded him to leave;
I too would fain have left my father's farm;

But some there be who lightly drop their load,
And some whom duty binds with iron bands;
I could not leave my father here alone,
With age-dimmed eyes and helpless fumbling hands.

Now back to port he comes in beggar rags,
With memories to gild the long, long nights;
Secure and safe I dream of -- flocks and grain --
And share vicariously his garnered sights.



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