Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HAGAR, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HAGAR, by                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Said hagar: nay, I can not see him die
Last Line: And mused on abraham and ishmael!
Subject(s): Death; Hagar; Ishmael (bible); Memory; Dead, The


SAID Hagar: "Nay, I can not see him die,
My little lad, my dear, my only one."
For bread and water failed her, sheer on high
Shone, hot and horrible, the desert sun.

That tiny cry wailed ever in her ears:
She lifted up her voice and wept; she said:
"His father loved us not." The happy years
In Egypt ran like music in her head.

Ishmael, the archer, shaggy, strong and wild,
For a great end was saved that bitter day.
He who was but a perishing, wee child,
Through mother-love was snatched from death away.

And Hagar was full happy; who can know
The feel of bliss like one who once was sad?
Hagar was happy, as she watched upgrow
To might and masterhood her tender lad.

And in old age -- great time of memories --
How oft she must have sat beside some well
Of water, set about with slender trees,
And mused on Abraham and Ishmael!





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