Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE OX, by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES Poet Analysis First Line: Why should I pause, poor beast, to praise Last Line: When robin redbreast comes no more. Alternate Author Name(s): Davies, W. H. Subject(s): Animals; Oxen | ||||||||
WHY should I pause, poor beast, to praise Thy back so red, thy sides so white; And on thy brow those curls in which Thy mournful eyes take no delight? I dare not make fast friends with kine, Nor sheep, nor fowl that cannot fly; For they live not for Nature's voice, Since 'tis man's will when they must die. So, if I call thee some pet name, And give thee of my care to-day, Where wilt thou be to-morrow morn, When I turn curious eyes thy way? Nay, I'll not miss what I'll not find, And I'll find no fond cares for thee; So take away those great sad eyes That stare across yon fence at me. See you that Robin, by himself, Perched on that leafless apple branch, His breast like one red apple left -- The last and best of all -- by chance? If I do but give heed to him, He will come daily to my door; And 'tis the will of God, not Man, When Robin Redbreast comes no more. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TEN OXHERDING PICTURES: HERDING THE OX by LUCILLE CLIFTON TEN OXHERDING PICTURES: SEARCHING FOR THE OX by LUCILLE CLIFTON TEN OXHERDING PICTURES: SEEING THE OX by LUCILLE CLIFTON TEN OXHERDING PICTURES: THE OX AND THE MAN BOTH GONE OUT OF SIGHT by LUCILLE CLIFTON TEN OXHERDING PICTURES: RETURNING TO THE ORIGIN, BACK TO THE SOURCE by LUCILLE CLIFTON TEN OXHERDING PICTURES: CATCHING THE OX by LUCILLE CLIFTON A BIRD'S ANGER by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES |
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