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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THEY SUNG A HYMN by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: THEY SUNG A HYMN' -- BUT RATHER SAY
Last Line: THEY KILLED THE HYMN AND BURIED IT!

"They sung a hymn" -- but rather say
They let the poor hymn die away.

They did not lift the hymn along
On voices eager, glad, and strong;

They caught it up, a weary load,
And dragged it on the dusty road.

They let it drop awhile, and then,
Wheezing, they took it up again.

Thus toiled they on till, out of breath,
The poor hymn died a natural death.

"The hymn was sung"? Ah, phrase unfit!
They killed the hymn and buried it!



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