Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“Homeless” is a poem by Adelaide Anne Procter, an English poet and philanthropist who lived during the Victorian era. The poem was first published in 1858 as part of her collection of poetry entitled “Legends and Lyrics,” and it explores the themes of homelessness, poverty, and the struggle for survival in the harsh realities of Victorian society. Through the use of vivid imagery and emotive language, Procter brings to light the struggles of the homeless and challenges the reader to consider their own role in society’s treatment of those who are less fortunate.

The poem “Homeless” is a poignant reflection on the plight of those who are without a home or shelter. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, describing the homeless person as “weary, houseless wanderer,” and highlighting the harsh reality of their situation, “Sleeping on the roadway, / Grovelling in the dirt.” The use of the words “weary” and “grovelling” evoke a sense of despair and desperation, and the image of someone sleeping on the roadway is a powerful one, showing just how destitute the person is.

The second stanza begins with the question, “What has the world to give?” and goes on to describe the harsh reality of the homeless person’s situation. The world has nothing to offer them, “Ages with sorrow, / And night with misery.” The use of the words “ages” and “night” suggest that the person’s suffering is eternal and unrelenting. The imagery of the homeless person “wringing” their hands and “weeping” is a stark reminder of the emotional toll that homelessness takes on a person.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful of the poem, as it challenges the reader to consider their own role in society’s treatment of the homeless. The homeless person asks, “What is there left to fear?” and wonders why society treats them with such disdain and cruelty. The use of the word “brother” is significant, as it suggests that we are all connected and that we have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate. The final line of the stanza, “You may give them rest,” is a call to action, urging the reader to do something to help alleviate the suffering of the homeless.

The final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, as the homeless person speaks of “rest beyond the skies.” This is a reference to the afterlife, and suggests that even in death, there is hope for those who have suffered in life. The final line, “Eternal Homelessness,” is a reminder that the struggle for survival is ongoing, and that we must all do our part to help those in need.

In “Homeless,” Adelaide Anne Procter offers a powerful and emotive reflection on the plight of those who are without a home or shelter. Through the use of vivid imagery and emotive language, Procter highlights the harsh realities of Victorian society, and challenges the reader to consider their own role in society’s treatment of the homeless. The poem is a call to action, urging us all to do something to help alleviate the suffering of those who are less fortunate.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...