Classic and Contemporary Poetry
YOUNG TRAMPS, by LAVINIA MARSHALL First Line: When hungry boys have knuckled hard my door Last Line: I swear I don't condemn you when you rob! Subject(s): Boys; Poverty | ||||||||
When hungry boys have knuckled hard my door, And asked in husky, earnest tones for food, And I've been stingy, -- lying, terse and rude; I've marveled they my bluff did not ignore, -- Eat all in sight and make a search for more. Where is their spunk? Why don't they be as crude As panther, bear, -- who'd quickly snatch me nude, Crunch shapely bones, tear flesh and drink my gore. What right have I to hold their share of bread? Keep milk until it stales in earthen crocks? Crib corn till gray rats bare the crumbling cob? O, lad, with greasy cap upon your head, -- In threadbare coat, -- your feet in frozen socks: I swear I don't condemn you when you rob! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE WEALTH OF THE DESTITUTE by DENISE LEVERTOV EMPTY PITCHFORKS by THOMAS LUX FUNERAL SERVICE by EVE MERRIAM A SMALL COUNTRY by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA DOCUMENTAL by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA NOTES ON POVERTY by HAYDEN CARRUTH SONG OF TWO CROWS by HAYDEN CARRUTH PENCIL STUB JOURNALS: CHOICES by JOHN CIARDI AT LAST WE KILLED THE ROACHES by LUCILLE CLIFTON THE SONNET by LAVINIA MARSHALL |
|