SAID Hagar: "Nay, I can not see him die, My little lad, my dear, my only one." For bread and water failed her, sheer on high Shone, hot and horrible, the desert sun. That tiny cry wailed ever in her ears: She lifted up her voice and wept; she said: "His father loved us not." The happy years In Egypt ran like music in her head. Ishmael, the archer, shaggy, strong and wild, For a great end was saved that bitter day. He who was but a perishing, wee child, Through mother-love was snatched from death away. And Hagar was full happy; who can know The feel of bliss like one who once was sad? Hagar was happy, as she watched upgrow To might and masterhood her tender lad. And in old age -- great time of memories -- How oft she must have sat beside some well Of water, set about with slender trees, And mused on Abraham and Ishmael! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE STIRRUP-CUP by LOUIS UNTERMEYER LEMON PIE by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST JAZZONIA by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES TO STATECRAFT EMBALMED by MARIANNE MOORE ADVENTURE ON THE WINGS OF MORNING by RACHEL ALBRIGHT GLADNESS by ANNA HEMPSTEAD BRANCH |