Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, YOUNG TRAMPS, by LAVINIA MARSHALL



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

YOUNG TRAMPS, by                    
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!





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