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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ONE OF THE NINE by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: I MEANT TO GO BACK, BUT WELL YOU MAY GUESS
Last Line: HAD I ONLY GONE BACK! HAD I ONLY GONE BACK!
Subject(s): FORGIVENESS; CLEMENCY;
"Were not the ten cleansed? but where are
the nine?" -- Luke 17:17.

I meant to go back, but well you may guess
I was filled with amazement I cannot express,
To think that after those horrible years,
That passion of loathing and passion of fears,
By sores unendurable eaten, defiled,
My flesh was as smooth as the flesh of a child!
I was drunken with joy, I was crazy with glee,
I scarcely could walk and I scarcely could see
For the dazzle of sunshine where all had been black;
But I meant to go back, O I meant to go back!

I had thought to return, when my people came out.
There were tears of rejoicing, and laughter, and shout;
They embraced me, -- for years I had not known a kiss:
Ah, the pressure of lips is an exquisite bliss!
They crowded around me, they filled the whole place,
They looked at my feet and my hands and my face;
My children were there, my glorious wife,
And all the forgotten allurements of life.
My cup was so full I seemed nothing to lack;
But I meant to go back, O I meant to go back.

I had started -- yes, Luke, I had started to find
The Healer so mighty, so tender and kind;
But work pressed upon me: my business, you know,
For all of those years I was forced to let go;
I had tools to collect, I had orders to get,
I found my poor family burdened with debt,
My time was all taken with labor and care,
The days went more swiftly than I was aware
With the practical problems I had to attack;
But I meant to go back, O I meant to go back.

I never supposed He would wait my return --
Just one of the ten, -- and would linger, and yearn
As you tell me He did; why, Luke, had I thought,
There is no one on earth I would sooner have sought;
I'd have shown Him my body, all perfect and strong;
I'd have thanked Him and praised Him before the great throng;
I'd have followed Him gladly forever and aye,
Had I thought that He minded my staying away, --
He so great, I so little and paltry! -- alack,
Had I only gone back! had I only gone back!



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