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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO THE DEFILERS by JOHN DRINKWATER

Poet Analysis

First Line: GO, THIEVES, AND TAKE YOUR RICHES, CREEP
Last Line: AND CAST YOUR SPITTLE IN GOD'S FACE.
Subject(s): EARTH; ENVIRONMENT; PROSTITUTION; WORLD; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; ECOLOGY; CONSERVATION; HARLOTS; WHORES; BROTHELS;

Go, thieves, and take your riches, creep
To corners out of honest sight;
We shall not be so poor to keep
One thought of envy or despite.

But know that in sad surety when
Your sullen will betrays this earth
To sorrows of contagion, then
Beelzebub renews his birth.

When you defile the pleasant streams
And the wild bird's abiding-place,
You massacre a million dreams
And cast your spittle in God's face.



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