Classic and Contemporary Poetry
IN THE COUNTRY, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poet Analysis First Line: This life is sweetest; in this wood Last Line: Behind me creeps a groan or sigh. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Country Life | ||||||||
This life is sweetest; in this wood I hear no children cry for food; I see no woman, white with care; No man, with muscles wasting here. No doubt it is a selfish thing To fly from human suffering; No doubt he is a selfish man, Who shuns poor creatures sad and wan. But 'tis a wretched life to face Hunger in almost every place; Cursed with a hand that's empty, when The heart is full to help all men. Can I admire the statue great, When living men starve at its feet! Can I admire the park's green tree, A roof for homeless misery! When I can see few men in need, I then have power to help by deed, Nor lose my cheerfulness in pity -- Which I must do in every city. For when I am in those great places, I see ten thousand suffering faces; Before me stares a wolfish eye, Behind me creeps a groan or sigh. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE TARIFF by GEORGE HENRY BOKER A DRIVE IN THE COUNTRY by TED KOOSER THERE IS ALWAYS A LITTLE WIND by TED KOOSER COUNTRYSIDE by JOSEPHINE MILES A BIRD'S ANGER by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES |
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