Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE HOSPITAL WAITING-ROOM, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poet Analysis First Line: We wait our turn, as still as mice Last Line: Until a welcome voice cried -- 'next!' Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Hospitals | ||||||||
We wait our turn, as still as mice, For medicine free, and free advice: Two mothers, and their little girls So small -- each one with flaxen curls -- And I myself, the last to come. Now as I entered that bare room, I was not seen or heard; for both The mothers -- one in finest cloth, With velvet blouse and crochered lace, Lips painted red, and powdered face; The other ragged, whose face took Its own dull, white, and wormy look -- Exchanged a hard and bitter stare. And both the children, sitting there, Taking example from that sight, Made ugly faces, full of spite. This woman said, though not a word From her red painted lips was heard -- 'Why have I come to this, to be In such a slattern's company?' The ragged woman's look replied -- 'If you can dress with so much pride, Why are you here, so neat, and nice, For medicine free, and free advice?' And I, who needed richer food, Not medicine, to help my blood; Who could have swallowed then a horse, And chased its rider round the course, Sat looking on, ashamed, perplexed, Until a welcome voice cried -- 'Next!' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HAVING BEEN ASKED WHAT IS A MAN? I ANSWER by PHILIP LEVINE NEW YEAR'S EVE, IN HOSPITAL by PHILIP LEVINE THE DEMOCRATIC DIME by EVE MERRIAM THIS DID NOT HAPPEN by THYLIAS MOSS WALT WHITMAN IN THE CIVIL WAR HOSPITALS by DAVID IGNATOW A FIELD HOSPITAL by RANDALL JARRELL A BIRD'S ANGER by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES |
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