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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
WINTER, by ELIZA COOK Poet's Biography First Line: We know 'tis good that old winter should come Last Line: He serveth his maker who aideth the poor. Subject(s): Charity; Winter; Philanthropy | |||
We know 'tis good that old winter should come, Roving a while from his Lapland home 'Tis fitting we should hear the sound Of his reindeer sledge on the slippery ground; For his wide and glittering cloak of snow Protects the seeds of life below; Beneath his mantle are nurtured and born The roots of the flowers, the germs of the corn. The whistling tone of his pure strong breath Rides purging the vapours of pestilent death. I love him, I say, and avow it again, For GOD'S wisdom and might show well in his train. But the naked -- the poor! I know they quail With crouching limbs from the biting gale; They pine and starve by the fireless hearth, And weep as they gaze on the frost-bound earth. Stand nobly forth, ye rich of land, With kindly heart and bounteous hand; Remember 'tis now their season of need, And a prayer for help is a call ye must heed. A few of thy blessings, a tithe of thy gold, Will save the young, and cherish the old. 'Tis a glorious task to work such good -- Do it, ye great ones! Ye can, and ye should. He is not worthy to hold from heaven The trust reported, the talents given, Who will not add to the portion that's scant, In the pinching hours of cold and want. Oh! listen in mercy, ye sons of wealth, Basking in comfort and glowing with health; Give whate'er ye can spare, and be ye sure He serveth his Maker who aideth the poor. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOW THE GREAT GUEST CAME by EDWIN MARKHAM CHARITY OVERCOMING ENVY by MARIANNE MOORE PASSING IT ON by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE THE IDEA OF SOUP by NORMAN DUBIE THE [EXCELLENT] BALLADE OF CHARITIE by THOMAS CHATTERTON SONG OF THREE SMILES by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN RECUERDO by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY KARMA by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON |
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