I HAD a hunger nothing filled; But pity not, for so 'twas willed: The Blessed struck from out my palms Whatever dole of kindly alms! It was a sign that I must know How all Earth's unfed children go -- How bravely, for they ply their tasks Above a want that asks and asks! I was a singer in the streets, My song -- I timed it to the beats Of one great heart that shook through all. Oh, none so quick to hear its call, Oh, none so pitying of its cry -- Yet none so pitiless as I Who knew a hunger nothing filled, Whose inward cry could not be stilled! It was from hunger that I sang, My song was of the hunger-pang! The famished, on each side, drew near, Among themselves they smiled to hear So perfectly their want made known! Their thanks were choral undertone; For them I broke my song as bread -- They caught the fragments and were fed. The rich sent bidding to their feasts; Yet others haled me to their priests To exorcise that spell unblest Wherewith they deemed I was oppressed! But Hunger was my heritage, And Hunger was my heavenly wage -- To nevermore be satisfied, To wander singing till I died! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR REMEMBERING HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU by JAMES GALVIN NATURAL HISTORY by MOTHER GOOSE THE CHILD ALONE: 3. MY KINGDOM by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON FOR A RETURN by A. A. ANDRIELLO INSCRIPTION FOR AN ICE-HOUSE by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD WHITHER? by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON PSALM 111 by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE |