|
|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A CERTAIN RICH MAN, by THEODORE MAYNARD Poet's Biography
First Line: Sell all thou hast and give it to the poor
Last Line: Lost lest the rich man empty-handed die.
Subject(s): Charity; Philanthropy
First Line: Sell all thou hast and give it to the poor
Last Line: Lost lest the rich man empty-handed die.
Subject(s): Charity; Philanthropy
"Sell all thou hast and give it to the poor."
This was not said to all, so we are told,
But to one young man loaded down with gold,
Who heard Thee, and went sadly through the door.
Would it were so! Of this thing I am sure:
I must let go the riches that I fold
Against my breast. Lord, cut them from my hold.
In surgery alone can be my cure.
Gold I have none, but what I treasure most,
That is my wealth: the thing that I must give.
Easier goes camel through the needle's eye
Than rich man into heaven. Be riches lost
To me for ever that the poor may live,
Lost lest the rich man empty-handed die.
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!
Other Poems of Interest...
HOW THE GREAT GUEST CAME by EDWIN MARKHAM
CHARITY OVERCOMING ENVY by MARIANNE MOORE
PASSING IT ON by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE
THE IDEA OF SOUP by NORMAN DUBIE
THE [EXCELLENT] BALLADE OF CHARITIE by THOMAS CHATTERTON
SONG OF THREE SMILES by WILLIAM STANLEY MERWIN
RECUERDO by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY
KARMA by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON