Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE TRIBUTE: 5, by HILDA DOOLITTLE



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE TRIBUTE: 5, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Though not one of the city turned
Last Line: As light circles an olive-branch.
Alternate Author Name(s): H. D.; Aldington, Richard, Mrs.
Subject(s): Bible; Poverty; Social Protest


Though not one of the city turned,
not one girl but to glance
with contempt toward us
that our hearts were so faint
with despair and doubt,
contempt for us that our lips
could not sing to the god of the lance --

Though not one of the city turned
as we searched through the city streets,
though the maidens gathered their veils
and the women their robes
as we passed: --

Though not one of the city turned
as we paused at the city gate,
a few old men rose up
with eyes no fear or contempt
could harden -- with lips worn frail
with no words of hate.

A few old men rose up
with a few sad women to greet and to hail us,
a few lads crept to welcome
and comfort us, their white brows
set with hope
as light circles an olive-branch.





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