Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LONDON'S VOICES, by EDITH BLAND NESBIT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LONDON'S VOICES, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In all my work, in all the children's play
Last Line: But, while these fight, I dare not turn away.
Alternate Author Name(s): Nesbit, E.; Bland, Mrs. Hubert
Subject(s): London; Socialism


Speak to Two Souls -- Who thus Reply:



I


IN all my work, in all the children's play,
I hear the ceaseless hum of London near;
It cries to me, I cannot choose but hear
Its never-ending wail, by night and day.
So many millions -- is it vain to pray
That all may win such peace as I have here,
With books, and work, and little children dear? --
That flowers like mine may grow along their way?
Through all my happy life I hear the cry,
The exceeding bitter cry of human pain,
And shudder as the deathless wail sweeps by.
I can do nothing -- even hope in vain
That the bright light of peace and purity
In those lost souls may ever shine again!


II


'Mid pine woods' whisper and the hum of bees
I heard a voice that was not bee nor wood:
'Here, in the city, Gold has trampled Good.
Come thou, do battle till this strife shall cease!'
I left the mill, the meadows and the trees,
And came to do the little best I could
For these, God's poor; and, oh, my God, I would
I had a thousand lives to give for these!
What can one hand do 'gainst a world of wrong?
Yet, when the voice said, 'Come!' how could I stay?
The foe is mighty, and the battle long
(And love is sweet, and there are flowers in May),
And Good seems weak, and Gold is very strong;
But, while these fight, I dare not turn away.








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